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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Thailand has been offered to invest in a special economic zone in Bangladesh. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed with the country this year.
He said this at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with the country's Prime Minister Shreta Thavisin at the Government House in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on Friday (April 26).
After the meeting, 5 bilateral documents, 1 Agreement, 3 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and 1 Letter of Intent (LOI) were signed in the presence of the two Prime Ministers.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh attaches great importance to the relationship with Thailand as its closest neighbour. Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries continue to grow in multifaceted areas of cooperation.
The two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest in detail.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh said that we see Thailand as an important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the dynamic 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 healthy two-way growth.
Sheikh Hasina said, I have assured the Prime Minister (Thavisin) to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and business in Bangladesh. I have proposed to the Thai side to invest in our special economic zone and hi-tech park and to have a special economic zone only for Thailand.
He said, we discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also offered him to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.
Noting that both sides have agreed to start negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024, he said, the commerce ministers of the two countries have signed a letter of intent (LOI) on the issue.
Pointing out that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders, he said Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate smooth communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.
He also said that Thailand is a potential partner for Bangladesh to engage in energy cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation was the second document signed to explore the possibility of energy cooperation.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Thailand on a 6-day state visit on Wednesday. On reaching there, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome at the airport. Minister attached to the Office of the Thai Prime Minister Puangpet Chun Laid welcomed.
Bangladesh /OF
