State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury announced on Tuesday that Bangladesh and Thailand are collaborating to launch direct shipping services between the two nations.
This declaration followed a meeting between the state minister and Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh, MakawadeeSumitmor, at the Secretariat office in Dhaka.
The state minister revealed that direct shipping operations will start from Chittagong Port to Thailand's Ranong Port.
A memorandum of understanding regarding this initiative was signed two years ago.
The Shipping Ministry officials said that a meeting of the joint group from both countries will be convened soon to advance this process.
The establishment of direct shipment between Chittagong and Ranong is anticipated to significantly enhance trade and tourism.
Currently, the prevalent route to Thailand via Singapore and Colombo takes approximately 20 to 22 days for shipping. On the other hand, the new direct shipping route is expected to reduce the transit time to merely 3 to 4 days.
Initially, the shipping services will focus on cargo and goods transportation.
However, there are plans to introduce cruise and passenger services between Bangladesh and Thailand in the future.
In 2021, the Chittagong Port Authority and an official from the Port Authority of Thailand signed the MoU to launch direct shipping between the two countries.
During the signing of the MoU, port officials from Bangladesh and Thailand expressed optimism that the agreement would bolster trade and investment within the Bimstec region, comprising Bangladesh, Thailand, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Usually, Bangladesh exports jute products to Thailand while importing pulses, gypsum, tyres, fruits, dry fruits, and footwear items from the country. Additionally, a significant number of Bangladeshi citizens visit Thailand annually for tourism purposes.
