Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Oct 31, 2025 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute(BFTI) and Thailand’s International Institute for Trade and
Development (ITD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) tostrengthen mutual cooperation in the trade and development sectorsbetween the two countries.

Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, the Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand andPermanent Representative to UN ESCAP, and Suphakit Charoenkul,Executive Director of ITD, signed the agreement on behalf of theirrespective sides at a function at Bangkok on Thursday, said a press release today.

According to the terms of the agreement, BFTI and ITD will jointly collaborate in key areas including education, research, training,
human resource development, and policy analysis. Their shared activities will involve organizing research programs, seminars, workshops, and training sessions, as well as exchanging academic and policy knowledge.

Faiyaz Murshid Kazi expressed his hope that this cooperation will help accelerate the joint feasibility study for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Thailand.

He also proposed organizing a review seminar that would involve relevant business representatives and stakeholders.

Dr. Saif Uddin Ahmed, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BFTI, who attended the signing ceremony virtually, highlighted the significance of the partnership.

Dr. Ahmed noted that Bangladesh has already achieved significant progress in trade expansion and diversification.

He stated that this collaboration is especially significant for enhancing the country’s commercial and institutional capacity as it prepares to transition away from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Dr. Ahmed further remarked that the MoU is expected to create new opportunities for both institutions in areas like knowledge exchange,
joint research, training, and innovative activities.

He believed this will bring benefits not only to the two signatory nations but also to the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Suphakit Charoenkul outlined the goal of establishing closer cooperation in future activities spanning trade, investment, skill
development, and policy research.

He emphasized that both BFTI and ITD will work together to ensure that trade remains a primary driving force for sustainable and inclusive
development.