Five docs signed, FTA talks ahead

BANGKOK, Apr 26: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina invited Thailand to explore the prospects for investing in Bangladesh's potential sectors, including hospitals and medical facilities, as the two countries Friday signed cooperation documents.

She also sought Thai investments in special economic zones and hi-tech parks-two latest economic zonings in Bangladesh.

"We discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed to him to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh," she said after summit talks.

The Bangladesh premier made the statements at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at Government House (Thai Prime Minister's Office) here in Bangkok, report UNB, BSS and agencies.

Five bilateral documents -- an agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) - were signed in presence of the two prime ministers following the meeting.

She said Bangladesh attaches great importance to her relations with Thailand as an immediate neighbour.

"Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic, and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries are ever-growing in multi-faceted areas of cooperation."

The two leaders discussed in detail the bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

"We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia," the Bangladesh PM told the press.

On trade cooperation, they discussed at length measures to enhance the current volume of the bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve healthy two-way growth.

"I assured the Prime Minister (Thavisin) of taking the necessary measures for investment facilitation and easing the doing of business in Bangladesh. I proposed to the Thai side to invest in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks and to take one SEZ exclusively for Thailand," said Hasina.

Noting that the two sides agreed to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) within this, she said the Ministers of Commerce of the two countries signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the issue.

To facilitate smooth contact between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, Dhaka and Bangkok signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports, she said, adding that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport-holders.

"For Bangladesh, Thailand is a potential partner to engage in energy cooperation. To explore the potential of energy cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation was the second instrument signed."

A third Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.

To ensure food security for people, the two sides explored the possibility of collaboration in the agriculture and food-processing sectors.

Regarding maritime connectivity, she said the two sides discussed the direct shipping line between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port. Bangladesh is following with great interest Thailand's flagship 'Landbridge project.'

The two prime ministers also discussed regional-cooperation mechanisms under the BIMSTEC framework. Thailand, as the current chair and host of the Summit to be held later this year, will hand over the sub-regional bloc's chairmanship to Bangladesh.

"We firmly believe that BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic growth for a total population of 1.8 billion. To achieve a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh sought the support of Thailand," she said.