In Sheikh Hasina’s milestone visit to Thailand, Dhaka and Bangkok has witnessed substantial steps for enhanced cooperation in multiple sectors with the signing of five agreements and one MoU.
Several bilateral agreements were signed in the presence of the prime ministers of Thailand and Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and Srettha Thavisin, regarding visa exemption, trade, tourism, energy, and customs. With these agreements in place, the diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries have taken a significant step forward, paving the way for greater cooperation in the future.
Following the agreements’ signing, Srettha stated that Hasina’s visit further strengthened the two nations’ friendship, which dates back to 1972. He said the two countries would strengthen bilateral relations through trade, investment, development collaboration, and tourism.
“Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic, and common cultural heritage,“ Sheikh Hasina remarked, emphasizing the significance of Bangladesh’s connections with Thailand as its immediate neighbor.
The Details of the Agreements
Five bilateral documents including an agreement, a Letter of Intent (LoI), and three memorandum of understanding (MoU)– were signed between Bangladesh and Thailand after the bilateral and closed-door meetings of both premiers.
The documents are:
Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports:
The visa exemption agreement for holders of official passports will enable government officials of Thailand and Bangladesh to engage in exchanges more frequently and efficiently. The goal of this agreement is to facilitate the easier implementation of collaborative projects and programs by strengthening diplomatic ties and streamlining procedures for bilateral governmental engagements.
Asaduzzaman Khan, the minister of Home Affairs, signed the visa exemption agreement for Bangladesh.
MoUs on Energy Cooperation, Customs Matters and Tourism:
The MoU on energy cooperation is a major step toward investigating renewable and traditional energy options jointly. This agreement improves energy security for both countries and could lead to joint initiatives that use Thailand’s technology and infrastructure to meet Bangladesh’s energy demands.
The MoU on customs cooperation intends to accelerate trade between Thailand and Bangladesh by improving customs operations. It promotes customs cooperation, particularly smuggling prevention and border security. This cooperation is essential for the predicted trade volume rise after the previous accords.
In this regard, Sheikh Hasina mentioned, “MoUs on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters was signed to benefit from Thai knowledge, experiences, and the final MoU in the field of tourism was inked to benefit from the best tourism practices.”
Recognizing tourism as a vital sector for economic growth, Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a MoU on tourism cooperation to cooperate on promoting tourism and exchanging best practices. The MoU is intended to increase tourist flow between the two countries and enhance the overall tourism experience through collaborative marketing strategies and exchange programs.
Two MoUs on energy cooperation and tourism cooperation were signed by the Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and another MoU on Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters signed by National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem from the Bangladesh.
LoI to Commence Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
The signing of a LoI to negotiate a Thailand-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was a major event from the meetings. Both countries are optimistic about the future of their trade, which is worth 1.2 billion USD at present. This FTA aims to lower trade obstacles, expand markets, and strengthen economic links between the two countries. The LoI for this agreement shows both countries’ commitment to economic integration.
State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu signed the LoI on FTA for Bangladesh.
Both Nations to Work on the Rohingya Issue
Along with the enhanced cooperation in multiple sectors, Bangladesh and Thailand have expressed their keenness to work together on the Rohingya issue.
“Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Thai Prime Minister Shretha Thavisin have expressed their interest in working together to solve the Rohingya crisis,” Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said in a media briefing on Friday.
“To solve this problem (Rohingya crisis), the two Prime Ministers expressed their keenness to work together,” as both the countries have been facing difficulties due to the forcibly displaced Myanmar national, Rohingya people, he added.
Mentioning that a huge number of displaced Rohingyas has also taken shelter in Thailand the minister added, “They (Thailand) are also burdened with people (Rohingyas) fleeing (forcibly displaced) from Myanmar.”
Future Scopes of Enhanced Collaboration
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities, as well as in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
“We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia,” said Hasina.
“I assured the prime minister [Thavisin] to take the necessary measures for investment facilitation and ease of doing business in Bangladesh. I proposed to the Thai side to invest in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks and to take one SEZ, exclusively for Thailand,” she added.
Regarding maritime connectivity, Hasina said the two sides discussed the direct shipping line between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port. Bangladesh is following with great interest Thailand’s flagship ‘Landbridge project’.
“I proposed to the Thai side to enhance cooperation among specialised universities between the two countries, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and food processing,” said Hasina.
Both prime ministers discussed BIMSTEC regional cooperation frameworks as Bangladesh will take over as BIMSTEC Summit chair from Thailand later this year.
“We firmly believe that BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic growth for a total population of 1.8 billion. To achieve a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh sought the support of Thailand,” she said.
“This official visit will remain a milestone in our bilateral relations. It has ushered in a new era of fruitful partnership between our two countries. We need to sustain the renewed momentum in our relationship for the mutual benefit of our people and countries in the days ahead,” she said.
Before signing the treaties, the leaders discussed bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest at the Government House in Bangkok. Hasina also invited Prime Minister Thavisin to undertake a return visit to Bangladesh.
Lastly, the advancements in documents signed and discussions symbolize a momentous stride in the bilateral ties between Thailand and Bangladesh, indicating the potential for a prosperous future of collaboration.
