The month of April witnessed a range of diplomatic ties flourishing with agreements and MoUs signed in various sectors by Qatar and Thailand with Bangladesh. On April 22, 2024, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani visited Dhaka for a 24-hour visit at the special invitation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Apart from the productive bilateral talks, the Qatar counterpart had signed 10 deals with Bangladesh before leaving on April 23. The next day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Thailand on a diplomatic tour for six days. Bangladesh has signed 5 documents with Thailand on various sectors lifting diplomatic ties to broader level. These deals with Qatar and Thailand range from enhancing trade and investment in various sectors to fostering educational and regional cooperation.
![Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani & Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-139.png)
QATARI EMIR’S VISIT TO BANGLADESH
This is the first visit by a monarch from the Middle East to Bangladesh since 2005, making the visit by Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani noteworthy. The first state-level incoming visit since the new government took power in January also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Qatar diplomatic relations. The visit is significant given global geopolitics, the Middle East crises after the Iran-Israel conflict, and the two nations’ ambitions to promote trade.
During the visit, Bangladesh and Qatar signed 10 deals to diversify trade and investments, including port cooperation and abroad employment and welfare. The Emir participated in bilateral discussions and held multiple meetings with high-ranking officials from Bangladesh. Emir also visited Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar airport expansions, metro rail, and elevated expressway infrastructures. Moreover, a prominent avenue and park in Dhaka were named after the Emir, signifying Qatar and Bangladesh’s growing friendship and shared vision for the future.
Through this visit the relation would be multidimensional and it has graduated at the political level too. Overall, the relationship has advanced several steps, we hope.
– MASUD BIN MOMEN
Bangladesh Foreign secretary
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INSIGHTS FROM BANGLADESH-QATAR BILATERAL TALKS
A 45-minute bilateral discussion between the Qatari Emir and Bangladesh Premier explored ways to accelerate collaboration on trade and investment, power and energy, employment, defense, education, maritime security, agriculture, and food security. Both sides thanked each other for their longtime collaboration and discussed ways to improve relations through more interaction, peopleto-people contact, and exchanges at all levels—official, corporate, and political. Hasina praised Qatar’s transition into a knowledge-based multicultural society and its mediation and international diplomacy. Al Thani commended Bangladesh for being an investment destination and indicated interest in doing business there. He welcomed Hasina’s call to recruit more Bangladeshi workers, professionals, nurses, technicians, and caretakers, acknowledging their contribution to Qatar’s progress. Both leaders also expressed concern over Middle East tensions and violence and urged world leaders to find a durable solution to Palestine and discussed Rohingya repatriation.
DEALS SIGNED AT A GLANCE
The bilateral talks led to the signing of five agreements and five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), strengthening cooperation between the two nations:
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![Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his visit to Dhaka on April 23, 2024](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-141.png)
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The country has seen remarkable economic development under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is an emerging investment destination. I would ask representatives from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatari business delegations to visit Bangladesh and explore investment prospects in the proposed sectors.
-Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar
![Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-142.png)
FUTURE SCOPES OF COLLABORATION
Qatar and Bangladesh have been in extensive talks on a range of economic and cooperation issues, which has fortified their bilateral connection. Focus topics include manpower and employment, trade, sectoral investment, defense cooperation, and a Free Trade Agreement. Both countries are eager to deepen their connections and build a profitable economic cooperation.
Manpower and Employment
Al Thani showed interest in importing skilled Bangladeshi labor, particularly in health and engineering, to boost its infrastructure projects. In a meeting, Bangladesh’s President complimented Qatari Amir for employing 3,50,000 Bangladeshis and demanded more qualified and semi-skilled workers. Currently, approximately 400,000 Bangladeshis work in Qatar, boosting the economy.
Special Economic Zone and Sectoral Investment
During a luncheon with Al Thani, Mohammed Shahabuddin sought Qatari investment in the Special Economic Zones for agro-processing, food packaging, smart agriculture, and fertilizer production. “Bangladesh government has set up 100 Special Economic Zones for foreign investors and Qatari investors can invest there. They may invest in agro and processing, food packaging, smart agriculture and fertilizer production,” the President told the emir.
“Qatar investors can get massive incentives and support in sectors like petrochemicals, energy, machineries, information technology, electronics, ceramics, agri-business, and food processing in Bangladesh.”
– MOHAMMED SHAHABUDDIN
![MOHAMMED SHAHABUDDIN](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-143.png)
Defense Cooperation
Defense was also a topic of discussion; highlighting the strengthening of military and strategic links between the two countries. Bangladesh asked for the early implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation and the agreement regarding the deputation of officers in the Qatar Armed Forces.
Trade
Trade discussions have brought to light the necessity for greater cooperation between the two nations in order to maximize the benefits of their commercial alliances. In 2022-23, Bangladesh traded $2.220 billion with Qatar, exporting $43 million. Subsequent to a recent accord, Qatar seeks to supplement its LNG supply to Bangladesh, thereby bolstering the bilateral trade rapport between the two nations.
FTA
Qatari Emir also had a meeting with Salman F. Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser, where the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Qatar and Bangladesh was a focal point. The Qatari team was interested in the FTA, citing their country’s success with similar deals, notably one with South Korea. The meeting also discussed commodities exchange and Sukuk investments, other economic potential. In particular, both nations wanted to enhance their private sectors and expand commerce, especially in food. Qatar, which imports a variety of food, sees Bangladesh as a potential meat and other food source. Both parties promised to create a business-friendly climate for growth in these regions. Other collaborations include reducing immigration requirements for Bangladeshi businesspeople, boosting Cox’s Bazar tourism, and researching Qatar’s Free Economic Zones for investment. Sheikh Hasina and Al Thani intend to send business delegations to each other’s countries to examine these potentials and create a favorable business environment for growth in these industries.
BANGLADESH PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO THAILAND
On April 24, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Thailand on both bilateral and multilateral visits at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister in the Thai Prime Minister’s Office welcomed Sheikh Hasina with a guard of honor, and a 19-round cannon salute. The first head-of-government visit from Bangladesh to Thailand since 1972 enabled both sides to discuss strategies to deepen bilateral relations and expand collaboration in numerous areas.
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![Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received with warm floral welcome from Thai officials including Puangpet Chunlaiad and Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, on April 24, 2024.](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-145.png)
PM’S UNESCAP SPEECH FOCUSES ON REGIONAL COOPERATION
On April 25, Sheikh Hasina addressed the 80th UNESCAP Session in Bangkok as part of her multilateral engagement. She advocated dialogue, sovereignty, and territorial integrity for sustainable development. She urged Asia-Pacific and ASEAN countries to strengthen Rohingya crisis measures, emphasizing that Myanmar must solve the problem. “As long as that solution remains out of reach, all our efforts at regional connectivity, integration and prosperity will continue to be marked by a missing puzzle. Let us redouble our efforts to put that puzzle back in place,” added Hasina. In line with the UN secretary-general’s New Agenda for Peace, the premier called for non-violence and opposed war.
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“We must speak out against all forms of aggression and atrocities, and say ‘no’ to wars,” she said adding that Bangladesh supports the UN Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace. In addition to addressing Bangladesh’s significant advancements in infrastructure and social development, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the reduction in extreme poverty from 25.1% to 5.6% and the poverty rate from 41.51% to 18.7% between 2006 and 2022.
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“We remain confident about eradicating extreme poverty by 2030,” she said. Bangladesh Premier also highlighted Bangladesh’s food security and economic disparity progress and regional cooperation to solve environmental concerns like the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Bangladesh’s infrastructural improvements improve trans-Asian connectivity, giving landlocked regions access to the Bay of Bengal.
The Premier also paid a courtesy call on the King and Queen of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, the same day.
BILATERAL MEETINGS
A tête-à-tete (individual meeting) took place between Sheikh Hasina and Thavisin at the Government House on April 26. In addition to other bilateral issues, Bangladesh sought Thailand’s help in repatriating Rohingya refugees. Following the tête-à-tete, the premiers of Bangladesh and Thailand convened a bilateral meeting that included representatives from both nations. Throughout this meeting, productive dialogues were conducted with the aim of advancing the enduring bilateral ties that have been established between the two nations. Hasina urged Thailand’s cooperation in developing Bangladesh into a knowledge-based, digitized, and climate-resilient nation by 2041. The meeting reviewed the “Free Trade Agreement” to increase trade and imports and exports between the two countries and discussed other common interests. Notable topics included investment, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchange, tourism cooperation, energy security, agriculture and food security, health, land and sea connectivity, development cooperation, and regional and international cooperation.
DHAKA-BANGKOK SIGN FIVE DOCUMENTS
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 meeting. 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.
Key Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) Signed between Thailand and Bangladesh
![Key Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) Signed between Thailand and Bangladesh](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-146.png)
The Details of the Documents
AGREEMENT ON VISA EXEMPTION FOR OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS:
The visa exemption agreement between Thailand and Bangladesh for holders of official passports aims to enhance diplomatic ties and streamline procedures for collaborative projects, enabling more frequent and efficient exchanges between government officials.
MoU ON ENERGY COOPERATION:
The MoU on energy cooperation aims to improve energy security for both countries and lead to joint initiatives that use Thailand’s technology and infrastructure to meet Bangladesh’s energy demands.
MoU ON CUSTOMS COOPERATION:
The customs cooperation MoU intends to accelerate trade between Thailand and Bangladesh by improving customs operations with smuggling prevention and border security.
MoU ON TOURISM COOPERATION:
The MoU on tourism cooperation is intended to increase tourist flow between the two countries and enhance the overall tourism experience through collaborative marketing strategies and exchange programs.
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.
FUTURE SCOPES OF COLLABORATION
The recent visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Thailand signifies a noteworthy achievement in the process of fortifying the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Bangladesh. This visit has initiated conversations on economic collaboration, regional connectivity, and BIMSTEC cooperation, promising productive relationships.
Economic Collaboration and Investment Opportunities
Recognizing Thailand’s role in regional dynamics, Hasina stated, “We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia.” She continued, “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,” highlighting potential areas for Thai investment in Bangladesh, particularly in hospitals, medical facilities, special economic zones, and hi-tech parks.
![](https://pressxpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sheikh-Hasina-signs-visitors-book-before-concluding.jpg)
Maritime Connectivity and Regional Projects
Hasina discussed enhancing maritime connectivity through a direct shipping line between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port and expressed interest in Thailand’s “Landbridge project.” “I proposed to the Thai side to enhance cooperation among specialized universities between the two countries, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and food processing,” she added, suggesting academic collaboration as a means to bolster economic ties.
Regional Cooperation and Diplomatic Engagement
Both prime ministers discussed the frameworks of BIMSTEC regional cooperation as Bangladesh is set to take over as BIMSTEC Summit chair from Thailand.
“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,” Hasina asserted, linking regional cooperation with humanitarian and development goals.
On April 29, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concluded her six-day official visit to Thailand by returning home from Bangkok. Hasina invited Prime Minister Thavisin back to Bangladesh, boosting relations. Hasina’s Thailand visit marks a major advance in Thailand-Bangladesh relations, laying the groundwork for a flourishing cooperation.
Lastly, the stately visits of Qatar’s Emir to Bangladesh and Bangladesh Premier’s visit to Thailand signify noteworthy achievements for Bangladesh. By securing agreements and fostering stronger diplomatic ties with Qatar and Thailand, Bangladesh is poised to enhance its role in global trade and development. These partnerships will increase direct investments in energy, technology, and infrastructure and strengthen Bangladesh’s strategic position in regional issues and sustainable development.