Desk Report:
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Ms. Thitiporn Chirasawadi paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
During the meeting, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs congratulated the Ambassador on assuming the new responsibility and appreciated her active role in strengthening Bangladesh-Thailand relations. In response, the Ambassador reiterated his commitment to further expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He said that Bangladesh is an important and potential market for Thailand due to its strong economic growth even outside the ASEAN region.
Highlighting the cultural closeness of the two countries during the meeting, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that Thailand is still one of the most popular destinations for Bangladeshi citizens for medical services. Both sides emphasized on further enhancing people-to-people contact and cultural cooperation.
The ambassador said that the fourth Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Thailand could be organized after the formation of a new cabinet in Thailand in April. They expressed hope that this would also pave the way for high-level visits this year.
The meeting also discussed in detail the issues of trade and economic cooperation. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs emphasized the need to remove existing tariff barriers on Bangladesh’s exports, especially in the ready-made garment sector, so that balanced trade between the two countries can increase. In addition, a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was also discussed.
The ambassador highlighted the ongoing cooperation in tourism and hospitality training and said that a Thai culinary promotion program would be organized at the residence of the Thai ambassador in late April. He also mentioned the plan to organize a Thai trade exhibition in Dhaka in July.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted the potential for skilled manpower exchange and said that Bangladesh can provide skilled manpower in various fields, including the ICT sector, as per the demand of Thailand’s labor market. He also sought Thailand’s support in Bangladesh’s efforts to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
The meeting also discussed strengthening cooperation in various initiatives, including regional connectivity under BIMSTEC. At the same time, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs sought Thailand’s continued support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced people in Myanmar to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
At the end of the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to work together to further strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Thailand and expand mutual cooperation.
