Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Sunday said a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Thailand could play a major role in strengthening maritime and logistics connectivity to boost bilateral trade and investment.

He said this during a meeting with Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh, Thitiporn Chirasawadi, at his office in the afternoon.

The adviser stressed the need for expanding existing trade ties and effectively utilising sea routes to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Bashir said Bangladesh is offering a favourable investment climate for foreign investors, adding that Thai businesses can explore opportunities in pharmaceuticals, shrimp, furniture and the tourism industry.

Such investments, he said, would benefit both nations.

Reiterating the commitment to work together on strengthening maritime connectivity, the adviser said an FTA would help increase the bilateral trade volume.

The Thai envoy highlighted the importance of launching a direct maritime trade route between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port for the first time, alongside advancing the proposed Thailand–Bangladesh FTA.

She said using Ranong Port in western Thailand could significantly reduce both shipping time and costs. Currently, goods shipped from Thailand to Bangladesh take around 14–15 days, whereas the western sea route would shorten the travel time to 4–7 days, she added. Similarly, shipments from Chittagong would reach Thai and neighbouring ports more quickly.

Additional Secretary (Export) Md Abdur Rahim Khan and the Minister Counsellor of the Thai Embassy were also present in the meeting.