Bangladesh urges Thailand to boost imports, cut duties, deepen trade ties
Bangladesh today urged Thailand to increase imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products and reduce duties on its goods to narrow the bilateral trade gap and strengthen their competitiveness in the Thai market.
Dhaka placed the two proposals at the fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Thailand, held at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said a foreign ministry press release here.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam led the Bangladesh delegation, while Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eksiri Pintaruchi headed the Thai side.
Thailand expressed willingness to consider the proposals and expand bilateral trade and investment. The Thai delegation also requested early initiation of discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
The consultations reviewed bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, connectivity, workers' migration, energy, agriculture, culture, education, training, defence and climate change.
Both sides welcomed the launch of the first direct shipping service between Chattogram and Ranong ports in September this year.
The service is expected to reduce transportation time from around 15 days to four days, lowering logistics costs and boosting bilateral trade.
Bangladesh sought Thai technical cooperation and investment in processing its fruits and vegetables, alongside technology transfer to help tap the global halal food market.
Under the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) programme, Bangladesh requested professional training in hospitality, nursing, germplasm and food processing. Thailand expressed interest in sharing its experience of the "One Village One Product" programme.
The two sides agreed to consider memorandums of understanding under discussion, including those concerning rice imports and workers' migration.
Expressing satisfaction with ongoing energy cooperation, Bangladesh sought Thailand's expertise in generating electricity from agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste.
The Bangladesh delegation highlighted the government's objective of generating at least 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Looking ahead to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, both sides emphasised political-level exchanges and expressed hope that visits by their heads of government could mark the occasion.
They also agreed to pursue joint initiatives promoting cultural and sporting exchanges. Bangladesh offered to share its cricket expertise and provide training, while Thailand offered training in taekwondo.
On regional cooperation, Bangladesh appreciated Thailand's continued support for its aspiration to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Dhaka also sought Bangkok's support for the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Rakhine State in Myanmar.
Both sides acknowledged growing threats from cross-border crimes, including human and arms trafficking, online scams and narcotics trafficking.
They agreed to work together to address these challenges and consider establishing a joint committee under their respective home ministries.
The consultations concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening relations through enhanced bilateral, regional and international cooperation.
