Dhaka and Bangkok have signed five bilateral documents

Bangkok, April 26, 2024 (BASS): Bangladesh and Thailand today signed five bilateral documents on visa waiver, energy cooperation, tourism and negotiations on Tariff and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
An agreement, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) were signed in the presence of the two leaders after a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Thailand Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at the Thai Government House (Thai Prime Minister’s Office) in Bangkok.
The documents include an agreement on visa waivers for official passport holders, a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, cooperation and mutual assistance on customs and cooperation in tourism, and a letter of intent (LOI) to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024.
On behalf of Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on behalf of Bangladesh in visa waiver agreement, LoI document was signed by Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam Titu and another MoU related to mutual assistance in customs matters was signed by National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Munim.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on the signing of the bilateral document at a joint press conference that the two sides have agreed to start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2024 and the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in this regard.
He said the two countries have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate easy communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.
The Prime Minister said that a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation has been signed to explore the possibilities of cooperation in the energy sector. He also said that MoUs were signed on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters to benefit from Thai knowledge and experience, and MoUs were signed in the field of tourism to benefit from best tourism practices.
At a joint press conference, the Thai Prime Minister said Thailand and Bangladesh are committed to working together for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He expressed hope that the letter of intent would help speed up the negotiation process.
He said the visa waiver agreement for official passport holders will facilitate more exchange visits between Thai and Bangladeshi officials. The MoU on energy cooperation will help realize the true potential of the two countries.
Besides, the MoU on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters will be helpful in conducting effective border control and anti-smuggling operations. The signing of the MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism will enable both countries to exchange knowledge, experience and best practices in the field of tourism.
When Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Government House, she was given a warm welcome on the red carpeted lawn in front of Thai Kuh Fah Bhawan. He then visited the guard of honor given by a smart team of the Thai Armed Forces.
Sretha Thavisin introduced her cabinet members to Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina signed the guest book of Government House. The Prime Minister attended a formal lunch there.
Before attending the lunch, Sheikh Hasina visited a Thai handicraft exhibition at Government House. At that time he was accompanied by his younger sister Sheikh Rehana and Bangabandhu’s son-in-law Radwan Mujib Siddique.
On the invitation of the Thai Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh came here on a six-day official visit on April 24.