Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged Thailand to invest in Bangladesh’s hospital and medical sector besides investing in special economic zones and hi-tech parks.
On Friday (April 26), the Prime Minister of Bangladesh said this at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at the Thai Prime Minister’s Office Government House.
The Prime Minister said, we discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed to him (Thai Prime Minister) to invest in hospital and medical sector in Bangladesh.
After bilateral and private meetings, five bilateral documents—one agreement, three memoranda of understanding and one letter of interest (LOI)—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 neighbor, Sheikh Hasina said that our friendship is historical, linguistic and of common cultural heritage. The two countries have a warm cordial cooperative relationship, which is growing day by day.
In the meeting, the two leaders discussed mutual and regional issues in detail.
The Prime Minister said, we see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia.
On trade cooperation, they discussed long-term steps to increase the current volume of bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve strong growth.
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.
Sheikh Hasina said that Thailand is a potential partner for Bangladesh in energy cooperation. To explore the possibility of energy cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation is the second document signed here.
In order to benefit from Thai knowledge, experience and best tourism practices, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding 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.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 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.
The Prime Minister 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 durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
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 accorded a warm red carpet welcome.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh was given a guard of honor by a smart contingent of the Thai Armed Forces. At this time, the Prime Minister visited the guard.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Thailand on a six-day official visit last Wednesday (April 24) at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin.
Bangladesh Time: 1525 hours, April 26, 2024
MUM/SIS
Tags: wanted Thailands investment medical sector
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