The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Report

Four-day long Thailand Exhibition-2008 began yesterday in the capital with pledge to expose new business chances between the two friendly countries.

On the opening day of the exhibition, Bangkok renewed their proposal for bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh to accelerate two-way trade.

Secretary for the Ministry of Planning Jafar Ahmed Chowdhury inaugurated the exhibition at Hotel Sheraton. Thai Ambassador in Dhaka Chalermpol Thanchitt and Kazi Habib Sattar, president of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber accompanied him in the opening ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Thai envoy Chalermpol Thanchitt reiterated their proposal for signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh as he said both the countries' economy would be benefited to a great extent for such development.

Trade between the two countries has increased substantially within a few years and now fluctuating in the range of approximately US$425 to 525 million, he added.

The Planning Secretary in his speech said, diplomatic and economic relations between Bangladesh and Thailand have increased much over the years and the bilateral relationship will continue to strengthen in the coming days.

" Thailand is the second-largest economy in this region. Despite huge potential of trade and investment, the Bangladeshi traders are not taking actual benefits, that's why the bilateral trade balance largely declines towards the Thai side," he said.

Jafar Chowdhury said Bangladeshi traders have comparative advantages of exporting chemical fertilisers, leather products, medicines to the Thai market. " Now the investors should take such advantage."

Bangladesh exports yarn and fibers, frozen fishes and meat to Thailand while imports cement clinkers, polymers, fabrics, machinery and parts, iron and steel, refrigeration and parts, rubber and rubber products from Thailand.

The Thai Embassy and the Thai Trade Center in Dhaka jointly organised the fair participated by at least 43 companies featuring their 11 categories of products.

The products include chemical products, construction materials, hardware and machinery, auto parts and accessories, electrical appliances, food and beverages, garments, textiles and fashion accessories, gift and decorative items, health and beauty, household and kitchenware products, leather products and footwear, and textiles and garments.

The exhibition will remain open for traders from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and for public from 3:00 pm to 8:00pm everyday this month.