Bangladesh, Thailand agree to commence negotiations on FTA this year

Bangladesh and Thailand have agreed to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the year 2024.

The two countries signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the issue following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at Thai Prime Minister’s Office in Bangkok on Friday, reports UNB.

Another agreement and three memorandums of understanding MoUs) were also signed in presence of the two prime ministers following the meeting.

At a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.

She also sought Thai investments in special economic zones and hi-tech parks of Bangladesh.

“We discussed the possibility of cooperation on training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed to him to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh,” she said.

The prime minister said Dhaka and Bangkok signed an agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports to facilitate smooth contact between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.

She said added that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

Sheikh Hasina informed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to explore the potential of energy cooperation considering Thailand as a potential partner for Bangladesh to engage in energy cooperation.

Another MoU was signed on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.

“To get benefitted from Thai knowledge, experiences, and best tourism practices, we signed an MoU on Cooperation in the field of tourism,” said the premier.