“I’ll do my utmost to ensure that the relations between Thailand and Bangladesh grow even stronger and closer,” said the Thai Ambassador on Thursday evening as she looks forward to her second year of ambassadorial duty here.
Ambassador Phothong was addressing a reception on Thursday evening marking the Thai National Day. Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Razzaque attended the function as the chief guest.
The bilateral trade volume stands at US$ 1.2 billion and there are about 23 Thai companies currently investing in Bangladesh with an accumulated value of US$ 1.5 billion, she said adding that with a Thai-Bangladesh concerted effort, the two countries can do more and achieve more.
The Ambassador said Bangladesh has risen to becoming a tiger in South Asia with an estimate growth of 8 percent annually and is transforming itself into a middle income country by 2021 and a Sonar Bangla – developed nation by 2041.
Highlighting regional cooperation, she said there has seen significant progress in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement which is to be signed in 2020, as well as the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Ambassador Phothong said the situation in Rakhine State was also addressed with a view to promoting an enhanced and visible Asean role in supporting the repatriation process as well as addressing the grave humanitarian situation and promoting sustainable development in Rakhine State.
The Thai Ambassador said there is an organic aspect of the partnership given their proximity and commonality.
“Although this partnership arises naturally from geopolitical circumstances, it must nevertheless be actively nurtured and elevated,” she said.
Politicians, diplomats stationed in Dhaka and senior journalists were present.