Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Thailand to examine investment opportunities in special economic sectors.
He said, ‘We discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi health workers. I have also proposed to the Thai Prime Minister to examine the possibility of investing in the hospital and medical sector in Bangladesh.’
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh said these things at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at the Thai Prime Minister’s Office Government House in Bangkok.
After bilateral meetings and private meetings, five bilateral documents—one agreement, three memorandums of understanding and one letter of interest—were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.
Pointing out that Bangladesh attaches great importance to the relationship with Thailand as a close neighbour, Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Our friendship is deeply rooted in historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries are growing steadily in multifaceted areas of cooperation.’
In the bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues in detail. “We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia,” the Prime Minister said.
On trade cooperation, they discussed long-term steps to enhance the current scope of bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve strong two-way growth.
Sheikh Hasina said, ‘I have assured the Thai Prime Minister of taking necessary measures to facilitate investment and business in Bangladesh. I have offered the Thai side to take advantage of Thailand’s investment in our Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks, and specifically a SEZ.’
The two sides have agreed to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024, he said, adding that the two countries’ trade ministers have signed a letter of interest in this regard.
Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate easy communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, he said, adding that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders.
Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Thailand is a potential partner engaged in energy cooperation for Bangladesh. To explore the possibility of energy cooperation, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation is the second document signed here.’
Referring to the signing of the third MoU on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, the Prime Minister said, ‘We have signed the MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism to benefit from Thai knowledge, experience and best tourism practices.’
He said the two sides explored the possibility of cooperation in agriculture and food processing sectors to ensure food security for the people.
Regarding maritime communication, Sheikh Hasina said that the two sides discussed the direct movement of ships between Ranong port and Chittagong port. Thailand’s flagship ‘Landbridge Project’ is being followed with great interest by Bangladesh.
He said, “I have proposed to the Thai side to increase cooperation between specialized universities between the two countries, especially in agriculture, fisheries and food processing.”
The two Prime Ministers also discussed the regional cooperation process under the BIMSTEC framework. Thailand will hand over the presidency to Bangladesh as the current president and host of the summit to be held at the end of this year.
He said, ‘We strongly 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 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, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was received by Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin on her arrival at the Government House and was given a warm red carpet welcome at the open space in front of Thai Kuh Fah Bhawan.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh was given a guard of honor by a smart contingent of the Thai Armed Forces. Prime Minister inspects the guard. Sheikh Hasina signed the guest book at Government House and earlier Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin introduced Sheikh Hasina to her cabinet members. The two leaders also held a private meeting here. Sheikh Hasina attended a formal lunch before leaving Government House.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Thailand on a six-day official visit last Wednesday at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin.
Source: Bass
BD Daily/Junaid Ahmed
Tags: Prime Minister asked Thai investment medical sector Bangladesh
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