Port Authority of Thailand (Ranong Port) and Chittagong Port Authority of Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate trade by enhancing maritime connectivity between the two countries. Md. Zafar Alam, Member (Admin and Planning),  of the Chittagong Port authority and Lt. JG. Dr. Chamnan Chairith, from the Port authority of Thailand, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides on virtual platform on Monday, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. The MoU is part of the greater vision of Bangladesh to enhance connectivity with its neighbours including those in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region. Read:Bangladesh, Korea sign deal to provide $100 mn of EDCF loan The MoU would encourage the business communities from both sides to further explore trade and investment opportunities, MoFA said. Additionally, both the port authorities would be benefited through the exchange of information and cooperation in port management, operations, information technology, communication, port connectivity, coastal shipping, port-related industry and investment promotion.

Bangladesh and the Maldives have agreed to establish a direct shipping line with Chattogram as Malé is keen to enhance connectivity and bilateral trade between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed the issue when they had a meeting with visiting Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem at a city hotel on Monday evening. The Vice President of the Maldives is accompanied by two Cabinet Ministers and the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read: It’s enlightening to learn about Bangabandhu’s life: Maldives VP Dr Momen assured the Maldives of extending necessary assistance in providing medical education, training and skill development in various areas of the Maldives. He stated that Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the Maldives are diligently contributing to the host economy. The Maldives side expressed keen interest to recruit specialized professionals and medical doctors from Bangladesh. Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, discussed ways and means for further strengthening cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Dr Momen stated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to the Maldives which are rooted in shared religion, culture and values. He recalled that the state visit of the President of the Maldives on the occasion of birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh on 17-19 March 2021 had contributed to advancing Bangladesh-Maldives bilateral relations to a great extent. Dr Momen thanked the government of the Maldives through the Vice President for the gift of 2,00,000 Covid-19 vaccines for the people of Bangladesh. Also read: Bangladesh looks to export resort wear to Maldives Earlier, Faisal paid tribute to the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Dhanmondi, Dhaka with a floral wreath. Faisal Naseem arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit. He is expected to meet President Abdul Hamid and a few cabinet ministers during the visit.