Staff Correspondent

Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi paid a courtesy call on Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Sheikh Robiul Alam at the Ministry of Shipping on Wednesday morning.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in sea ports and maritime transport, and boosting trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand.

The discussion placed special emphasis on establishing direct maritime connectivity between Chattogram Port in Bangladesh and Ranong Port in Thailand. The Thai Ambassador noted that establishing a direct sea route between Chattogram and Ranong ports would open new avenues in the Bay of Bengal regional trade network, significantly reducing shipping time and costs while boosting trade, connectivity, and economic cooperation.

Ambassador Chirasawadi expressed optimism that such an initiative would enhance regional commercial linkages across the Bay of Bengal and create new opportunities for traders and investors in both nations.

Welcoming the initiative, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam highlighted that modernizing sea ports and expanding international trade routes are vital to accelerating Bangladesh's economic momentum. He underscored the importance of enhancing Chattogram Port's capacity and operational efficiency to reduce freight transport time and costs.

The Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's interest in partnering with friendly nations through effective collaboration and knowledge exchange, assuring full cooperation in advancing discussions and necessary measures to realize direct shipping between Chattogram and Ranong ports.