The leaders of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) have called upon Thailand to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh to increase bilateral trade between the two countries.

BTCCI president Shams Mahmud made the call at a meeting with Thai ambassador to Dhaka Makawadee Sumitmor at the Thailand embassy in Dhaka on May 30, 2023, says a release.

The Thai envoy assured the business leaders to work on the proposals placed by BTCCI and ease the process for Thai visa. The BTCCI president also requested Thai officials to start importing new products from Bangladesh, such as pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, leather, garment items and ceramics.

BTCCI president Shams Mahmud apprised the ambassador regarding on the plan of BTCCI to take necessary steps for enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.

In this regard both the BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy through its Thai Trade Center based in Dhaka would work jointly their best.

BTCCI president also emphasised on the increasing export from Bangladesh to Thailand and he requested Thai Officials to initiate for adding new products to import from Bangladesh such as pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, leather, RMG and ceramics etc.

BTCCI Senior vice-president Md Munir Hossain said that Bangladesh provided a low cost production base and competitive labor market for Thai businessmen and therefore Bangladesh could be their investment destination.

Abdul Kasem Khan, Former DCCI President and BTCCI director also attended the meeting and emphasized strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.

He welcomed to the Thai investors to invest in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bangladesh.

The Ambassador emphasized that apart from trading only, now countries should try to establish strategic partnerships. She assured of all cooperation and support from her embassy to BTCCI in this regard.