Signing five bilateral documents with Thailand, Prime Minister calls for investment in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in Bangladesh’s hospital and medical sector facilities. He sought Thailand’s investment in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh. Apart from this, five bilateral documents have been signed in the presence of the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

The Prime Minister gave this information 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 (April 26).

Sheikh Hasina 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.’

At the end of the meeting, an agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MOU) and a letter of intent (LOI) were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.

The Prime Minister 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 relations between our two countries in multi-faceted areas of cooperation continue to grow.’

The two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest in detail. Sheikh Hasina said, ‘We see Thailand as an important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the dynamic economies of Southeast Asia.’

On trade cooperation, both leaders 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 proposed to 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 the two sides have agreed to start talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024, the Prime Minister 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, Sheikh Hasina said, “Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate smooth communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.”

The Prime Minister also said, ‘Thailand is a potential partner for Bangladesh to engage in energy cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation has also been signed to explore the possibility of energy cooperation.’

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. “We have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism to benefit from Thai knowledge, experience and best tourism practices,” the Prime Minister said.

The Chief Minister said, ‘Both sides have explored the possibility of cooperation in the agriculture and food processing sectors to ensure food security for our people.’

The two Prime Ministers also discussed regional cooperation mechanisms under the BIMSTEC framework. Thailand, the current president of the organization, will host the summit later this year and hand over the presidency to Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina said, ‘We firmly believe that BIMSTEC is the main driver of regional economic growth for a total population of 1.8 billion. Bangladesh has sought Thailand’s support to find a sustainable 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 Government House and was given a red carpet welcome and guard of honour.

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