Bangladeshi products have huge potential market in Thailand: envoy

There is a possibility of creating a huge demand for Bangladeshi branded products in Thailand, said Makawadee Sumitmor, Thai ambassador to Dhaka.

In particular, there is a huge opportunity to export readymade garments, leather goods and fish from Bangladesh, she said today during a courtesy call on Md Jashim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI).

Expressing her interest in increasing the sales of Bangladeshi products in the Thai markets, she also said that the embassy will take initiative to promote Bangladeshi products in her country.

The ambassador also said that positive progress has been made on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and Bangladesh.

Addressing the meeting, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin said FTA will be essential for economic development after 2026 as, after graduation from a least developed country, Bangladesh will lose some market advantage in the world market.

However, before concluding a free trade agreement, a trade balance must be established between the two countries concerned, he said.

Uddin said bilateral trade between the two countries has long been in favour of Thailand. Therefore, he urged Thai investors to invest in Bangladesh.

Thai investment can be lucrative, especially in the agro-processing sector and at the same time, citing the examples of China, Japan, Korea, India and many countries have taken separate economic zones for their own investors, he said. "Thailand can also take such a step."