Bangladesh has urged Thailand to cut import duties and buy more jute and jute goods, seeking a bigger share of Thai demand for natural fibres to narrow a persistent trade gap, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
The proposal was raised at the fourth Foreign Office Consultations in Bangkok, where Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam led Dhaka’s delegation. Bangladesh also pressed for higher pharmaceutical sales. Read Here
For Bangladesh’s golden-fibre sector, Thai demand could offer fresh momentum as fashion, packaging and home-textile buyers increasingly favour biodegradable, lower-carbon materials. Jute remains among the country’s oldest export earners, and exporters view eco-conscious markets as a growth avenue.
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Thailand said it would consider the proposals and called for early talks on a bilateral free trade agreement, according to the statement. Both sides reviewed trade, investment, connectivity and energy cooperation.
Logistics may help. A direct shipping service between Chattogram and Ranong, launched in September, is expected to cut transit time to four days from about 15, lowering costs for bulk cargoes such as jute.
Both sides also agreed to consider memorandums of understanding on rice imports and labour migration, and hope leaders’ visits will mark 55 years of diplomatic ties next year.