Bangkok Wants Enhanced Economic Partnership with Dhaka

Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Arunrung Phothong Humphreys has said Thailand wants stronger and closer relationship with Bangladesh to earn the ultimate goal of an enhanced economic partnership.

“I’ll do my best to ensure that the relations between Thailand and Bangladesh bloom even stronger and closer,” said the Thai Ambassador on Thursday evening as she looks forward to her second year of ambassadorial duty here. 

Ambassador Phothong was addressing a reception on Thursday evening marking the Thai National Day. Agriculture Minister Dr. Muhammad Razzaque attended the function as the chief guest.

The bilateral trade volume stands at US$ 1.2 billion and there are about 23 Thai companies currently investing in Bangladesh with an accumulated value of US$ 1.5 billion, she said adding that with a Thai-Bangladesh active effort, the two countries can do more and attain more.

The Ambassador said Bangladesh has risen to become a tiger in South Asia with an estimated growth of 8 percent annually and is transforming itself into a middle-income country by 2021 and a Sonar Bangla – developed nation by 2041.  

Highlighting regional partnership, she said there has seen significant progress in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement which is to be inked in 2020, as well as the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Ambassador Phothong said the situation in Rakhine State was also addressed with a view to promoting an enhanced and visible Asean role in supporting the repatriation process as well as addressing the grave humanitarian situation and promoting sustainable development in Rakhine State.

The Thai Ambassador said there is an organic aspect of the partnership given their proximity and commonality. 

“Although this partnership emerges naturally from geopolitical circumstances, it must nonetheless be actively nurtured and elevated,” she said.

Politicians, diplomats stationed in Dhaka and senior journalists were present.

Source: UNB