Thai Exhibition begins

UNB, Dhaka

Four-day Thailand Exhibition 2008 began at the Sheraton Hotel here Wednesday with an array of products on the show, Bangkok renewed their proposal for bilateral FTA with Bangladesh for boosting the two-way trade.

Secretary for the ministry of planning Jafar Ahmed Chowdhury inaugurated the exhibition.

Thai ambassador in Dhaka Chalermpol Thanchitt and Kazi Habib Sattar, president of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber, among others, addressed the opening ceremony.

The planning secretary in his speech said the 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. However, Jafar Chowdhury observed that the trade balance between the two countries clearly favours the economy of Thailand.

‘Thailand is the second-largest economy in this region. Despite huge potential of trade and investment, the Bangladeshi traders are not utilising the scope properly, that’s why the bilateral trade balance favours the Thai economy,’ he said.

Jafar Chowdhury said Bangladeshi traders have comparative advantages of exporting chemical fertilisers, lather products, medicines to the Thai market.

‘Now the investors should take such advantage.’ Speaking on the occasion, Thai envoy Chalermpol Thanchitt reiterated their proposal for signing a Free Trade Agreement 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 $425 to 525 million.

Bangladesh exports yarn and fibres, 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 Centre 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.

Besides, information on visa application, tourism and medical care in Thailand will also be available in the exhibition. The exhibition will remain open for traders from 10:00am to 3:00pm and for public from 3:00pm to 8:00pm everyday till March 8.

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