The Prime Minister has asked Thailand to invest in the medical sector of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 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 explore the possibility of investing in Bangladesh’s hospital and medical sector.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at Government House, Prime Minister’s Office of Thailand. After these 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.

Sheikh Hasina said, I have assured the Thai Prime Minister to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and business in Bangladesh. I have proposed to the Thai side to take advantage of Thailand’s investment in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks, and especially a SEZ.

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 that Thailand is a potential partner for Bangladesh in energy cooperation. To explore the possibility of energy cooperation, 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. Bangladesh is following Thailand’s flagship ‘Landbridge Project’ with great interest.

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. We strongly believe that BIMSTEC is a key 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.

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