Signing 5 documents in Thailand, Prime Minister calls for investment in medical services in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Thailand to take the opportunity to invest in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zone and Hi-Tech Park as well as in the hospital and medical sector.

Sheikh Hasina said this at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at her office at Government House on Thursday.

He said, “We discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed to him (the Thai Prime Minister) to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.”

According to Basas, after bilateral and private meetings, the two countries signed five documents in the presence of the two prime ministers. Among them, an agreement, three MoUs and a Letter of Interest (LOI) were signed.

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.

In a joint press conference, Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh attaches great importance to relations with Thailand as a close neighbour, “Our friendship is deeply rooted in historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm cordial relations between our two countries are steadily growing in multifaceted areas of cooperation.”

In the bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues in detail. The two leaders agreed to work together to achieve strong two-way growth, in addition to discussing long-term measures on trade cooperation, particularly to increase the scope of bilateral trade.

“We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia,” the Prime Minister said.

Sheikh Hasina said, “I have assured the Prime Minister (Thavisin) to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and ease of doing business in Bangladesh. I have offered the Thai side to take Thai investment in our Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks and specifically a SEZ.”

The two sides have agreed to start negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024, he said, adding that the two countries’ trade ministers have signed a letter of intent (LOI) in this regard.

In order to facilitate easy communication between officials of the two countries, Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, the Prime Minister said, adding that there is already an agreement between the two countries for diplomatic passport holders.

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

“To benefit from Thai knowledge, experience and best tourism practices, we have signed the MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism,” he said, noting that the third MoU was signed on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

He said, to ensure food security for the people, the two sides explored the possibility of cooperation in agriculture and food processing sectors.

Regarding maritime communication, Sheikh Hasina said that the two sides have discussed the direct shipping line between Ranong port and Chittagong port.

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 regional cooperation mechanisms under the BIMSTEC framework. In the summit to be held at the end of this year, as the current president and host, Thailand will 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 seeks Thailand’s support to achieve a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.”

He reiterated the importance of high-level visits between the two countries.

Sheikh Hasina also invited Prime Minister Thavisin to visit Bangladesh.

Later, Sheikh Hasina attended a formal lunch at Government House.

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