Trade investment our new focus in Bangladesh
Says deputy prime minister of Thailand
UNB
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Dr Somkid Jatusripitak has said Thailand will give a fresh look at Bangladesh in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, reports UNB.
The Thai DPM also underlined the need for regular exchange and dialogue between the political leaders of the Bimstec two countries with a view to boosting business, trade and tourism.
Dr Somkid made the remarks when Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem met him on Tuesday to brief him about the outcome of the first Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo held in Bangkok on May 30 to June 1.
The expo registered over 1,500 businesses from Thailand which showed their keen interest to find trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh, according to a message received here yesterday.
Thailands DPM in charge of Economic Affairs, Trade and Commerce Investment, Energy and Transport, among others, assured Ambassador Tasneem that given the warm relations and geographic proximity between Bangladesh and Thailand, Thailand would strengthen its look west policy towards Bangladesh, especially in finding greater investment opportunities and enhancing bilateral trade.
Bangladesh Ambassador reiterated to the Thai DPM the offer made by Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed for a dedicated special economic zone for Thai investors during the inauguration of Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016.
As a follow-up to the request made at the Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo, Ambassador Tasneem sought duty- and quota-free market access for key export products from Bangladesh and continuation of Bangladeshs MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status with Thailand and briefed the DPM about the proposed 4th Joint Trade Committee meeting scheduled to be held in Dhaka this year.
Bangladesh proposal for greater road, marine and air connectivity between the two Bimstec countries was also discussed at the meeting.
The Thai DPM assured the Ambassador that the Thai government would work closely with Bangladesh government to realise the vision of greater connectivity between the two nations, especially connecting the Ranong port in Thailand with Chittagong port in Bangladesh.
On tourism, the Thai DPM showed keen interest in promoting Buddhist circuit tourism between the two countries that share deep rooted cultural and religious ties.
