Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged Thailand to invest in special economic zones and hi-tech parks of Bangladesh as well as invest in hospitals and medical sectors. He said, ‘We discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi medical personnel. I have also proposed to him (the Thai Prime Minister) to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.’
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh made this call in a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at the Thai Prime Minister’s Office ‘Government House’ in Bangkok on Friday (April 26).
After bilateral meetings and private meetings, five bilateral documents, one agreement, three memorandums of understanding and one letter of interest (LOI) were signed between the two countries in the presence of the two prime ministers.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the country’s handicraft exhibition at the Thai Prime Minister’s office. Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana was also present.
Pointing out that Bangladesh attaches great importance to relations with Thailand as a close neighbour, Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Our friendship is deep rooted in historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm 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 increase the current volume of bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve strong two-way growth.
Representatives of the two countries in the bilateral meeting
Sheikh Hasina said, ‘I have assured the Thai Prime Minister (Thavisin) to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and ease of doing business in Bangladesh. I have proposed to the Thai side to invest in Thailand in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks and specifically take 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.
To facilitate easy communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, he said, adding that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders.
He said, ‘For Bangladesh, Thailand is a potential partner engaged in energy cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation is the second document signed here, to explore the possibility of energy cooperation.’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presents a painting to the Thai Prime Minister (Photo: Focus Bangla)
“To benefit from Thai knowledge, experience and best tourism practices, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Tourism Sector,” he said, noting that the third MoU on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters had been signed.
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, ‘The two sides have discussed the direct shipping line between Ranong port and Chittagong port. Bangladesh is very interested in Thailand’s flagship land bridge project.
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. 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 firmly believe that BIMSTEC is the key 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.
Prime Ministers of the two countries in a private meeting
Sheikh Hasina also 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 went to Thailand on a six-day official visit last Wednesday (April 24) at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin. Live the news.
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A warm welcome to Sheikh Hasina at the office of the Thai Prime Minister
Tags: Prime Minister Thailand invest medical sector Bangladesh
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