Dhaka, Bangkok push maritime links, stronger trade ties

The views came when Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi met Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat here today.

During the meeting, both the sides discussed matters relating to expanding the existing bilateral trade ties between the two countries and effectively utilizing maritime transport facilities.

Highlighting that the government of Bangladesh is creating golden opportunities for foreign investors, Adviser Bashir said the Thai investors can take advantage of these facilities and invest in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical, shrimp, furniture, and tourism sectors. 

Such investments, he noted, would benefit both countries, said a Commerce Ministry press release here.

Expressing commitment to strengthening logistics connectivity through maritime transport to enhance bilateral trade and investment, he said that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would help increase the trade volume between Bangladesh and Thailand.

The Thai Ambassador stressed the importance of launching the first-ever maritime trade route between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port, along with striking an FTA between Thailand and Bangladesh.

She said that using Thailand’s western Ranong seaport for bilateral trade would reduce both cost and time. 

Currently, it takes 14–15 days for goods to reach Bangladesh from Thailand under the existing shipping arrangement, but through the western maritime route, shipments could reach Chattogram in 4–7 days. 

Similarly, vessels from Chattogram would be able to reach ports in Thailand and other neighbouring countries more quickly.

Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim Khan and the Minister Counsellor of the Thai Embassy were also present at the meeting, reports BSS.