Speakers at a discussion yesterday called for taking initiatives to increase business ties between Bangladesh and Thailand as they argued that a favourable condition is prevailing now with potentials of improved bilateral trade in a number of sectors.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce Industry (BTCCI) jointly organised the discussion meeting at the DCCI auditorium in Dhaka, said a press release.
Bangladesh Ambassador-Designate to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem was present on the occasion.
DCCI President Mohammad Shahjahan Khan said Thailand is the 2nd largest economy in Southeast Asia. He said in the past fiscal year, amount of import and export between the two countries was $393.6m and $39.62m respectively.
Shahjahan Khan said Thailand is a potential market for Bangladeshi products like frozen food, raw jute, jute goods, electrical and electronic equipment.
DCCI President also said investment climate of Bangladesh is now attractive for foreign investors.
He urged the new Bangladeshi ambassador to Thailand to take initiatives for the Thai investors to invest in textile, agro-processing, leather and leather goods, power, energy and tourism sectors in Bangladesh.
Ambassador-Designate Saida Muna Tasneem said private sector of Bangladesh made great contribution to the economic development of the country.
She stressed enhancement of private sector relationship between the two nations. Sadia Muna also assured that she would urge Thai investors to invest in coastal and special economic zone in Bangladesh and recruit more fishermen from Bangladesh.
She said Bangladeshi products like jute, handicrafts, RMG and frozen food have huge demands in Thailand, urging the Bangladeshi traders to invest more in those sectors.
BTCCI president Sajjatuz Jumma urged the Bangladesh government to enhance investment facilities for the Thai Investors.
DCCI vice president Kh Shahidul Islam, directors Abul Humayun Rashid, S Rumi Saifullah, Abdus Salam, convenor M S Siddiki, Capt (Retd) Nurul Haque and woman entrepreneur Nadia Binta Amin took part at the open discussion session.