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Sunday | November 01, 2026 | Dhaka

BD-Thai trade gets 4-day shipping boost

 Diplomatic Correspondent
 Published: 12:02 AM, 01 November 2026  Updated: 11:55 PM, 31 October 2026

Bangladesh and Thailand have agreed to explore new avenues of trade and investment, with Dhaka proposing increased Thai imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products, jute-based packaging materials and lower tariffs on Bangladeshi goods entering the Thai market.

The proposals were raised at the fourth Foreign Secretary-level meeting between the two countries in Bangkok on Friday, as both sides sought to strengthen economic cooperation and take advantage of a newly established direct maritime connection between Chattogram and Ranong ports, according to Foreign Ministry.

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

During the meeting, the two countries discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, defence, cultural exchanges and climate change.

The three trade proposals reflect Bangladesh’s interest in diversifying its export destinations and securing greater access to the Thai market.

Dhaka specifically encouraged Thailand to import more Bangladeshi medicines, source jute-based products for environmentally friendly packaging of Thai goods and reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi exports.
Thailand welcomed the proposals and expressed interest in further expanding bilateral trade and investment, according to a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry press release.

Improved maritime connectivity emerged as another major area of cooperation, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the launch of a direct shipping connection between Chattogram and Ranong ports on 27 September.

The new route is expected to reduce cargo transportation time between the two countries from around 15 days to just four days, potentially lowering freight costs and making bilateral trade more competitive.

The connection could also create opportunities for businesses to explore new supply chains and increase the movement of agricultural products, manufactured goods and other commodities between Bangladesh and Thailand.

For Bangladesh, the development is particularly significant as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional trading and logistics hub while diversifying its connectivity beyond traditional routes.

Bangladesh also sought Thai technical assistance and investment to develop its food-processing industry, particularly in processing locally produced fruits and vegetables.

As one of the world’s leading food-processing countries, Thailand was invited to share its expertise in processing Bangladeshi agricultural products, particularly mangoes and jackfruit.

Dhaka also proposed exchanging experience under Thailand’s ‘One Tambon One Product’ initiative, which promotes locally produced goods and supports small-scale producers and rural economic development.

Such cooperation could help Bangladesh reduce post-harvest losses, improve food quality, develop value-added agricultural products and expand export opportunities.

The two sides also agreed to consider signing several pending memorandums of understanding, including those concerning rice imports and labour migration.

Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries expressing satisfaction over their existing collaboration.

Bangladesh sought to draw on Thailand’s technical expertise in generating electricity from agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste, highlighting its national target of producing at least 20 per cent of its total electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Thailand’s experience in bioenergy and waste-to-energy technologies could offer Bangladesh opportunities to diversify its energy mix while making better use of agricultural by-products.

Looking ahead, both countries emphasised the importance of high-level exchanges to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

They agreed to undertake joint initiatives in cultural exchanges, sports cooperation and tourism to give greater momentum to the anniversary celebrations.

Bangladesh proposed exchanging expertise in cricket coaching and training, a proposal that Thailand warmly welcomed.

The two countries also discussed broader regional and international cooperation. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Thailand’s continued support for its efforts to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Dhaka also sought Thailand’s continued support and cooperation for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Thailand to a new level through expanded bilateral, regional and international cooperation.