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Thailand for lifting ban on sea fishing |
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February 20, 2001
Thailand wants Bangladesh to lift the ban on deep sea fishing by foreigners and proposes joint ventures in exploiting marine resources for mutual benefits, reports UNB. "I hope one day Bangladesh would lift restriction on foreign fishing in its Bay to promote Thai participation in fishing and fish processing," Thai Ambassador Pithaya Pookaman said while briefing newsmen on the Thailand Exhibition 2001, scheduled in Dhaka March 23-25. The exhibition, where 75 Thai companies will be showcasing some 300 products and services, was earlier scheduled for February 25-27, but deferred due to hartal called for February 25-26. Thai Department of Export Promotion will organise the show to promote trade and economic activities between the two countries, both members of the new sub-regional bloc, BIMST-EC. Pooksman said Bangladesh, being a delta, is abundant in marine resources and Thailand can offer technology and manpower to exploit these resources. Replying to a question, he deplored the reported illegal fishing by Thai trawlers in Bangladesh's waters, but said they want to do it legally. Belying fears of over-fishing, he said if there is too much fish and less catching, fish will have natural death. "So you've to balance between over-fishing and leaving the resources not exploited." The Thai envoy also touched upon prospects of BIMST-EC, bilateral trade deficits and investments during his talks with newsmen at a Thai restaurant in Gulshan. Thai investment proposals involving several million dollars have been registered with the Board of Investment (BOI) here and many of these have not been implemented yet. Construction, design, agriculture and fishing are among the potential areas that can attract Thai entrepreneurs, he said. Fookaman said Thai investment in Bangladesh is small compared to other regional countries, but it's on the rise. "Investment should come not only in the form of capital, it may be in the forms of technology and management." Commercial Counselor of thai Embassy in Delhi Wairak Walairat, who spoke on behalf of the Thai Export Promotion Department, said Thai exports to Bangladesh figured US$ 200 million in 2000 while her imports stood at around 60 million. Referring to this trade deficit, the Thai Ambassador said it should be looked at broader perspective where both the countries could boost their economic activities. The exhibition aims at not only promoting Thai products in Bangladesh market, but also at exploring Bangladesh's market potentials in Thailand, he added. The Thai Ambassador said visa procedures have been simplified much to facilitate smooth travels of tourists, business people and patients to Thailand. Pookaman said since 1990s Thailand has started giving attention to this region and after the 1997 economic recession, it is attaching priority to Bangladesh and India. Source: The New Nation |