Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh has urged Thailand to reduce import duties on Bangladeshi products and increase purchases of pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods as Dhaka seeks to narrow the widening trade gap and gain a stronger foothold in the Southeast Asian market.

The proposals were raised at the fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Thailand, held at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, according to a foreign ministry press release.

The move reflects Bangladesh`s growing interest in diversifying export destinations, expanding trade with Southeast Asia and attracting Thai investment in sectors with strong export potential.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam led the Bangladesh delegation, while Thailand`s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Eksiri Pintaruchi headed the Thai side.

Thailand expressed willingness to consider Bangladesh`s proposals and explore opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment. Bangkok also called for an early start to discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), signalling interest in a more structured economic partnership.

An FTA could open new opportunities for businesses in both countries by reducing trade barriers and improving market access. For Bangladesh, the challenge will be to secure favourable terms for its export products as it prepares for its post-LDC economic transition.

The consultations covered a broad range of areas, including trade, investment, maritime connectivity, labour migration, energy, agriculture, education, defence, culture and climate change.

A major development in bilateral economic cooperation has been the launch of the first direct shipping service between Chattogram and Ranong ports in September this year.

The new maritime connection is expected to cut transportation time from around 15 days to just four days, significantly reducing logistics costs and making bilateral trade faster and more competitive.

Improved shipping connectivity could particularly benefit exporters of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, jute goods and other commodities requiring efficient transportation.

Bangladesh also sought Thai technical assistance and investment in processing locally produced fruits and vegetables. It proposed technology transfer to help the country tap the expanding global halal food market, which offers opportunities for value addition and export diversification.

Under the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) programme, Dhaka requested professional training in hospitality, nursing, germplasm and food processing. Thailand, meanwhile, expressed interest in sharing its experience of the `One Village One Product` initiative, which promotes locally produced goods and rural entrepreneurship.

Energy cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Bangladesh sought Thai expertise in generating electricity from agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste, reflecting its interest in diversifying renewable energy sources.

The Bangladesh delegation highlighted the government`s target of generating at least 20 percent of the country`s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Bangladesh believes Thailand`s technological experience could help develop alternative energy projects while creating economic value from agricultural waste.

Both sides also agreed to consider several proposed memorandums of understanding, including agreements on rice imports and workers` migration.

Labour migration remains another important area of potential cooperation, with both countries discussing ways to strengthen arrangements for workers.

On regional and international 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).

Greater engagement with ASEAN and RCEP could help Bangladesh expand its economic and commercial connections with regional markets.

Dhaka also sought Bangkok`s support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar`s Rakhine State.

Both sides expressed concern over growing cross-border criminal activities, including human and arms trafficking, online scams and narcotics smuggling. They agreed to strengthen cooperation and consider establishing a joint committee under their respective home ministries to address these threats.

With Bangladesh and Thailand set to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, both countries emphasised the importance of high-level political exchanges and expressed hope that visits by their heads of government could mark the occasion.

They also agreed to promote cultural and sporting exchanges. Bangladesh offered to share its cricket expertise and provide training, while Thailand proposed training opportunities in taekwondo.

The latest consultations underline the potential for a broader Bangladesh-Thailand partnership extending beyond traditional diplomatic engagement.

For Bangladesh, the immediate priority will be to translate Thailand`s positive response into practical benefits through lower tariffs, increased exports, investment, technology transfer and improved connectivity.

The proposed FTA discussions could become particularly significant in this regard, provided they deliver meaningful market access for Bangladeshi businesses and help address the existing trade imbalance.