The trial run for direct coastal shipping between Thailand's Ranong Port and Bangladesh's Chattogram Port is expected to take place soon, according to Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh, Makawadee Sumitmor.
The ambassador shared this update during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, according to a press release.
Bangladesh and Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2021 to establish this direct shipping line between the two ports.
During their discussion, the Foreign Secretary and the Thai Ambassador explored mutual interests in trade, investment, coastal shipping, agribusiness, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
The Foreign Secretary emphasised the importance of holding regular bilateral consultations and fast-tracking the finalization of pending agreements.
They also expressed optimism that the BIMSTEC Summit would convene soon. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the activation of the 'Visa Exemption Agreement' for Bangladeshi official passports, effective mid-December 2024.
Ambassador Sumitmor announced that Thailand would soon introduce an E-visa service, enabling applicants to apply and receive visas electronically. She noted the positive impact of the Thai trade delegation's visit to Bangladesh in July 2024 on Thai business interests.
Both officials underscored the urgency of convening the 6th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Dhaka, highlighting it as a crucial step toward Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
The Foreign Secretary also sought Thai collaboration in promoting and branding Bangladeshi cuisine. Ambassador Sumitmor congratulated Jashim Uddin on his appointment as Foreign Secretary and reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.