Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh's bid to get membership of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
 
The Chief Adviser expressed the hope as newly appointed Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Thithiporn Chirasawadi paid her maiden courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna here, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing this evening. 

During the metering, Prof Yunus informed her about the interim government's initiative to secure Bangladesh's membership in the ASEAN, the 11-member regional bloc that has emerged as a major global economic and trade force.

In the process, Bangladesh already floated its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

"We take it very seriously. It will connect South Asia with Southeast Asia," the Chief Adviser said, referring to Bangladesh's efforts to get ASEAN membership.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to strengthen further bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and investment, maritime connectivity, prevention of online scams, multilateral engagement, and people-to-people exchanges.

Prof Yunus recalled his long association with Thailand and expressed hope that ties between the two countries would grow stronger during the ambassador's tenure.

The Thai ambassador said Bangkok was keen to begin negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, which she noted would boost Thai investment in Bangladesh and expand trade between the two countries.

Chirasawadi also said that both nations are planning to launch a direct shipping route between Thailand's Ranong Port and Bangladesh's Chittagong Port. 

The service is expected to begin in March, following official talks between shipping authorities of the two countries scheduled for February.

Prof Yunus emphasised the need for issuing more visas to Bangladeshi nationals, noting that an increasing number of Bangladeshis are travelling to Thailand for medical treatment, business, education, and tourism.

SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.