Bangladesh seeks lower Thai tariffs, higher exports of pharma, jute

Bangladesh has called on Thailand to reduce import duties on Bangladeshi products and buy more pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods to narrow the bilateral trade gap, while Bangkok has expressed interest in considering the proposals and called for early talks on a free trade agreement (FTA).

The proposals were raised at the fourth Bangladesh-Thailand Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (30 October).

The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, while Thailand’s delegation was headed by its Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Eksiri Pintaruchi.

The consultations reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, labour migration, energy, agriculture, cultural exchanges, education and training, defence and climate change.

The Thai delegation expressed willingness to consider Bangladesh’s proposals and further expand bilateral trade and investment. It also requested the early initiation of bilateral FTA discussions, reads the press release.

Both countries welcomed the launch of the first direct shipping service between Chattogram and Ranong ports in September 2026.

The new connection is expected to reduce transportation time from approximately 15 days to just four days, lowering logistics costs and boosting bilateral trade, the statement said.

Bangladesh also sought Thai technical cooperation and investment in processing locally produced fruits and vegetables, as well as technology transfer to help the country access the global halal food market.

Under the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) programme, Bangladesh requested training opportunities for professionals in hospitality, nursing, germplasm and food processing.

Thailand also proposed sharing its experience of the ‘One Village One Product’ programme.

The two sides agreed to consider several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) currently under discussion, including those on rice imports and labour migration.

Both countries expressed satisfaction with their ongoing energy cooperation.

Bangladesh highlighted its national target of generating at least 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and sought Thailand’s technical expertise and experience in converting agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste into electricity.

The discussions also covered opportunities to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, investment and sustainable development.

As Bangladesh and Thailand prepare to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations next year, both sides stressed the importance of high-level political exchanges and expressed hope that visits by the heads of government could mark the anniversary.

They also agreed to undertake joint initiatives to promote cultural and sporting exchanges.

Bangladesh offered to share its expertise in cricket and training, while Thailand offered training opportunities in taekwondo.

On regional and multilateral issues, Bangladesh appreciated Thailand’s continued support for its aspiration to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The Bangladeshi delegation also sought Thailand’s support in facilitating the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Rakhine State in Myanmar.

Both sides expressed concern over growing cross-border crimes, including human and arms trafficking, online scams and narcotics trafficking.

They agreed to work together and consider establishing a joint committee under their respective home affairs ministries to address these challenges.

The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral, regional and international cooperation.