Thai embassy to promote Bangladeshi products: Envoy

Makawadee Sumitmor, Thailand Ambassador to Bangladesh has expressed her interests in increasing the sales of Bangladeshi products in the Thai market.

She disclosed her interest during a courtesy call on Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin on Tuesday morning.

The ambassador said that positive progress has been made on the “Free Trade Agreement” between Thailand and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, FBCCI Chief Md Jashim Uddin said that after becoming a developing country from a least developed country, Bangladesh will lose some market advantage in the global market.

Therefore, FTA or PTA will be essential for economic development after 2026, he said, adding that, “Before concluding a free trade agreement, trade balance must be established between the two countries.”

According to the statement, bilateral trade between the two countries has long been in favour of Thailand.

Therefore, Jashim Uddin urged Thai investors to invest in Bangladesh.

"Thai investment can be lucrative, especially in the agro-processing sector. At the same time, citing the examples of China, Japan, Korea and India, many countries have taken separate economic zones for their own investors. Thailand can also take such a step," the statement said.

The Thai ambassador said that if the products are branded, there is a possibility of creating huge demand for Bangladeshi products in Thailand. In particular, there is a huge opportunity to export readymade garments, leather goods and fish from Bangladesh.

FBCCI Vice President MA Momen proposed to organise a roadshow in Thailand and form a joint working group.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister of Thailand will visit Bangladesh next year as part of the celebrations of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangkok and Dhaka. At that time, the Thai ambassador offered to hold a delegation meeting with the FBCCI. At that meeting, the ways forward to boost bilateral trade will be discussed and decided, said the statement.

FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President Habib Ullah Don, and Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque were present during the call on.