Thailand has expressed deep interest in expanding economic
engagement with Bangladesh, citing the country's economic potentials, growing
middle-class consumers and demographic dividends.
Speaking to this correspondent at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon
Hotel in the city on Thursday, Chairman of the Thailand–Bangladesh Business
Council (TBBC) Yongyos Pholtanawat
Gary said that Thailand enjoys a trade surplus with
Bangladesh that the latter can reduce by signing a free trade agreement (FTA).
He said that Thai export to Bangladesh stands at around 1.00 billion US dollars
while Bangladesh’s export to Thailand stands only 100 million US dollars.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir inaugurated the
three-day international trade exhibition at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the city
on Thursday that brought together leading Thai companies, Bangladeshi business
representatives, government officials, industry stakeholders, media
professionals.
Yongyos Pholtanawat
Gary said that Thailand will implement a
number of mega projects that will require thousands of migrant workers. Even in
the plantation, specially in rubber
plants, Thailand requires manpower.
Chairman of the Thailand–Bangladesh Business Council
(TBBC) Yongyos Pholtanawat said that
Thailand is also interested in setting up hospitals and nursing institutes in
joint ventures with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs here with a view to rendering
world-class healthcare
The Chairman of the Thailand–Bangladesh Business Council
(TBBC) that Bangladesh can improve the healthcare system by imparting quality
training to doctors, nurses and stakeholders in the system .
President of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (BTCCI) Shams Mahmud has also said Bangladesh will start dialogues on
the FTA issue
Shams Mahmud said that Bangladesh has prospects in
pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, leather, tourism, hospitality,
infrastructure, power and agro-processing.
Mahmud also emphasized the importance of launching direct
shipping services between Thailand's Ranong Port and Bangladesh's Chattagram
Port, facilitating exchanges of business delegations and expanding cooperation
in sectors including textiles and ready-made garments, power and energy,
electrical goods, food processing, seafood, handicrafts and religious tourism.
Putting emphasis on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), he
said the deal could significantly boost bilateral business and expressed hope
that the commerce ministries of both countries would work proactively towards
its implementation.
He also acknowledged existing connectivity challenges and
said Thailand was committed to working with Bangladesh to improve transport and
logistics links.
Meanwhile, the opening ceremony commenced at 1:00 pm and
highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral trade, business cooperation,
investment opportunities, and commercial relations between Thailand and
Bangladesh.
Top Thai Brands 2026 is organized by the Department of
International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai
Government, in collaboration with the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai
Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh, is hosting the exhibition.
During the inaugural ceremony, the distinguished guests
emphasized the significance of international trade exhibitions in creating
direct connections among manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers,
entrepreneurs, and consumers. The exhibition was recognized as an important
platform for introducing high-quality Thai products and services to the
Bangladeshi market and facilitating new business partnerships between the two
countries.
This year, 57 companies from Thailand are participating in
the exhibition. They are showcasing a wide variety of products and services
across multiple sectors, including processed food, cosmetics and personal care
products, kids’ care products, jewelry, building materials, healthcare
products, pet food, lifestyle products, consumer goods, and many other
categories.
Following the formal inauguration, the chief guest and other
distinguished guests visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with
participating Thai companies. They observed the diverse range of products on
display and learned about the companies’ business interests and plans for the
Bangladeshi market.
The exhibition is designed to provide Bangladeshi importers,
distributors, retailers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry
professionals with opportunities to communicate directly with Thai
manufacturers and suppliers. It is also expected to support product sourcing,
dealership arrangements, distribution partnerships, market expansion, and
long-term commercial cooperation.
A key feature of Top Thai Brands 2026 is the business
matchmaking sessions, which will facilitate direct meetings between
participating Thai companies and potential Bangladeshi business partners. These
sessions aim to encourage meaningful business discussions and generate new
trade opportunities.
In addition to the business exhibition, visitors will be able
to enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the
three-day event. These include Thai cultural dance performances, Muay Thai
demonstrations, fashion shows, raffle draws, and several other interactive
attractions.
Top Thai Brands 2026 will continue until 25 July 2026 and
will remain open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Pan Pacific Sonargaon,
Dhaka.
