DHAKA: Bangladesh and Thailand have agreed to introduce direct coastal shipping link between two Asian nations.

They have also agreed to sing an accord regarding this matter.

The decisions were made at a meeting between Bangladesh and visiting Thailand delegations at shipping ministry on Tuesday (February 9).

Shipping secretary Ashok Madhab Roy led Bangladesh delegation while Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) assistant director general (asset management and business development) Pol Lt. Gen. Prajak Sri Watthana led the visiting team.

The other Thai members include Ranong governor Suriyan Kanjanasilp, Ranong Chamber of Commerce chairman Sudaporn Yodpinij, Ranong Federation of Industries president Maethus Rangsiyanan and Thai-Bangladesh Business Council president Mingpant Chayavichitsilp.

At the meeting, they put emphasis on the expansion of bilateral trade and assessed the feasibility of direct coastal shipping between Chittagong Port of Bangladesh and Ranong Port of Thailand.

Ashok Madhab Roy said the direct coastal shipping will reduce both time and expenditure to one third.

‘This link will also play role in improving existing communications between Bangladesh and its southeast Asian neighbors,’ Roy remarked.

Bangladesh ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem, among other Bangladesh officials, were present at the meeting.

BDST: 1727 HRS, FEB 09, 2016
RR/SMS