Thailand looks to sign free trade deal with Bangladesh

Thailand has expressed strong interest in opening negotiations on a bilateral free-trade agreement with Bangladesh, a move that could significantly expand trade and encourage Thai investment, as Dhaka intensifies efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic engagement with South-east Asia.
The newly-appointed Thai ambassador to Bangladesh, Thithiporn Chirasawadi, conveyed Bangkok's position during her first courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday at the state guest house Jamuna, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
The ambassador said that both countries were also working towards launching a direct shipping route between Thailand's Ranong port and Bangladesh's Chittagong port, a development expected to strengthen maritime connectivity and reduce logistical costs.
The service is likely to begin in March, following talks between ther shipping authorities scheduled for February.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed a broad range of issues aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations, including trade and investment cooperation, maritime connectivity, the prevention of online scams, multilateral engagement and people-to-people exchanges.
Yunus, who has long-standing professional ties with Thailand, expressed optimism that relations between the two countries would deepen during Chirasawadi's tenure.
He also reiterated the interim government's priority of securing Bangladesh's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 11-member regional bloc that has emerged as a major global economic and trade hub. Yunus said Dhaka hoped Thailand would support its bid, noting that Bangladesh had already applied to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the organisation.
"We take it very seriously. It will connect South Asia with Southeast Asia," Yunus said, underlining the strategic significance of Bangladesh's proposed ASEAN membership.
The Chief Adviser further emphasised the need for easier visa access for Bangladeshi nationals, pointing to a growing number of Bangladeshis travelling to Thailand for medical treatment, business, education and tourism.
Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and SDG coordinator, was also present at the meeting.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com