DHAKA, April 23, 2018 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed today said Bangladesh and Thailand are working jointly to sign free-trade agreement (FTA) to increase trade and export.
“Bangladesh has taken the initiative of signing FTA to boost up export to Thailand,” said the minister as chief guest while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the four-day “Thai Week-2018” in a city hotel organized by the Royal Thailand Embassy in Dhaka.
Bangladesh made the proposal of FTA to Thailand at the Joint Economic Commission meeting in Dhaka recently to narrow the trade deficit.
At this moment, Thailand is offering duty-free facility to 6,998 Bangladeshi products and bilateral trade volume has reached to $2 billion. Tofail Ahmed said Bangladesh has sought duty free access or minimal duty facility to Thailand for jute products and readymade garments.
Citing the visit of huge number of Bangladeshi people to Thailand for tourism, medical and business purposes, he said Bangladesh has requested the Thai government to ease the visa procedure.
In the expo, a total of 45 Thai companies and 28 exporters of Bangladesh are taking part in 79 stalls to showcase and sell 18 categories of items including industrial products, fruits, foods, home appliances and products, jewelry and cosmetics.
The expo will remain open for visitors from 11am to 9pm till April 26.
Minister councilor (commercial) of Thai Embassy also spoke on the occasion with Ambassador Panpimon Suwannapongse in the chair.