Bangladesh has proposed that Thailand import more pharmaceuticals and jute products from Bangladesh and reduce duties on Bangladeshi goods to improve their competitiveness in the Thai market as part of efforts to reduce the bilateral trade gap.
The Thais, during the 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand on Friday, expressed willingness to consider the proposals and further expand bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
The Thai delegation also requested the early initiation of discussions on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam led the Bangladesh delegation, while the Thai delegation was led by Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eksiri Pintaruchi.
The consultations reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, workers' migration, energy, agriculture, cultural exchanges, education and training, defence and climate change.
On connectivity, both sides welcomed the commencement of the first direct shipping service between Chittagong and Ranong ports in September 2026.
The service is expected to reduce transportation time from approximately 15 days to just four days, lowering logistics costs and boosting bilateral trade.
Bangladesh sought Thailand's technical cooperation and investment in processing Bangladeshi fruits and vegetables, as well as technology transfer to tap the global halal food market.
Under the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) programme, Bangladesh sought training for professionals in hospitality, nursing, germplasm and food processing sectors.
Thailand also stressed sharing its experience of the "One Village One Product" programme.
The two sides agreed to consider various MoUs currently under discussion, including those on rice imports and workers' migration. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing energy cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Referring to the government's national objective of generating at least 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Bangladesh sought Thailand's technical expertise and experience in converting agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste into electricity.
Looking ahead to the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Thailand next year, the two sides stressed the importance of exchanges at the political level and expressed hope that visits by the heads of government next year could mark the anniversary.
They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to promote cultural and sports exchanges.
As part of these efforts, Bangladesh offered to share its expertise in cricket and training, while Thailand offered training in Taekwondo.
On regional and multilateral cooperation, Bangladesh appreciated Thailand's continued support for its aspiration to become an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner and accede to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The Bangladesh delegation also sought Thailand's support in addressing the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Rakhine State in Myanmar.
Both sides acknowledged the growing threat of cross-border crimes, including human and arms trafficking, online scamming and narcotics trade.
In this context, they agreed to work together and consider establishing a joint committee under their respective Ministries of Home Affairs.
