Prime Minister’s call to Thailand to explore the possibility of investment in hospital-treatment in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.

He sought Thailand’s investment in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.

He said, ‘We discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi medical personnel. I have also offered him to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.’

The Prime Minister said these things in a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Shreta Thavisin at the Government House in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on Friday.

At the end of the meeting, five bilateral documents—one agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MOU) and one letter of intent (LOI) were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.

He said, ‘Bangladesh attaches great importance to the relationship with Thailand as its closest neighbour. Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relationship between our two countries continues to grow in multi-faceted areas of cooperation.’

The two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest in detail. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh said, “We see Thailand as an important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the dynamic economies of Southeast Asia.”

On trade cooperation, they discussed long-term steps to increase the current volume of bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve healthy two-way growth.

Sheikh Hasina said, ‘I have assured the Prime Minister (Thavisin) to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and business in Bangladesh. I have offered the Thai side to invest in our special economic zone and hi-tech park and to have a special economic zone only for Thailand.’

Noting that both sides have agreed to start negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024, he said, the commerce ministers of the two countries have signed a letter of intent (LOI) on the issue.

Pointing out that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders, he said Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate smooth communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.

He also said, ‘Thailand is a potential partner for Bangladesh to engage in energy cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation signed to explore the possibility of energy cooperation is the second document.

A third MoU was signed on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

The Prime Minister said, ‘We have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the field of tourism to benefit from Thailand’s knowledge, experience and best tourism practices.’

He mentioned that both sides have explored the possibility of cooperation in agriculture and food processing sector to ensure food security of our people.

Regarding communication by sea, he said, the two sides have discussed direct shipping between Ranong port and Chittagong port. Thailand’s flagship ‘Landbridge Project’ is being followed with great interest by Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina said, “I have proposed to the Thai side to increase cooperation between the specialized universities of the two countries, especially in the field of agriculture, fisheries and food processing.”

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the regional cooperation process under the BIMSTEC framework.

As the current president and host of the summit to be held later this year, Thailand will hand over the presidency to Bangladesh.

He said, ‘We strongly believe that BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic progress for a population of one and a half billion people. Bangladesh has sought Thailand’s support for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.

He reiterated the importance of high-level visits between the two countries. Sheikh Hasina invited Prime Minister Thavisin to visit Bangladesh.

Earlier, Thavisin welcomed Sheikh Hasina on her arrival at the Government House and was then given a warm welcome on the front lawn of the Thai Kuh Fah Building.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday on a six-day official visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand.