Bangladesh has asked Thailand to lower tariffs on Bangladeshi products and increase imports of pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods as the two countries seek to narrow their trade imbalance.
The proposals were raised at the fourth round of foreign office consultations in Thailand on October 30, led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Thai Permanent Secretary Eksiri Pintaruchi. According to Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, Thailand expressed willingness to consider the proposals and sought early talks on a bilateral free trade agreement.
The discussions also covered a new direct Chattogram–Ranong shipping service, investment, agricultural processing, labour migration and energy cooperation. No final tariff concession or free trade agreement was announced.
Illustrative photograph.