শুক্রবার, ২৪ জুলাই ২০২৬, ১২:৫৭ পূর্বাহ্ন
DHAKA, July 23, 2026 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today urged Thai investors to increase investment in Bangladesh, expressing optimism that stronger trade and investment ties would elevate economic cooperation between the two countries to a new level.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the three-day ‘Top Thai Brands 2026’ international trade exhibition at a city hotel, the minister said Bangladesh and Thailand enjoy a long-standing relationship based on mutual trust, respect and cooperation.
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi, officials of the Royal Thai Embassy, representatives of participating Thai companies, business leaders, entrepreneurs and members of the media attended the event.
The commerce minister said Thailand is one of Bangladesh’s important trading partners and noted that although bilateral trade has been growing steadily, there remains enormous potential to expand trade and investment, said a Commerce Ministry press release.
He said Bangladesh has emerged as an attractive destination for foreign investment thanks to its strategic location, large consumer market, skilled workforce and investment-friendly policies.
“We welcome Thai investment in promising sectors such as agro-processing, tourism, leather, readymade garments, automobile components, rubber products and other high-potential industries,” he said.
The minister also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in increasing exports to the Thai market, particularly pharmaceuticals, processed food, environmentally friendly jute products, leather goods and light engineering products.
Highlighting the significance of international trade fairs, Muktadir said such exhibitions are not merely platforms for showcasing products but also effective avenues for establishing direct business linkages among manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors, investors and entrepreneurs.
He said events like ‘Top Thai Brands 2026’ would help forge new business partnerships and make a meaningful contribution to expanding bilateral trade.
Referring to the government’s efforts to improve the business climate, the minister said Bangladesh is implementing various initiatives to facilitate trade, develop infrastructure, accelerate digitalisation and strengthen connectivity with international markets.
He stressed the importance of responsible foreign investment, saying it would create employment opportunities, promote the adoption of advanced technologies and contribute significantly to the country’s industrial development.
The commerce minister called on participating Thai companies to strengthen engagement with Bangladeshi businesses, importers, distributors and investors while encouraging Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to explore new export opportunities in the Thai market.
He expressed hope that ‘Top Thai Brands 2026’ would further strengthen trade, investment and the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Thailand.
The exhibition has been organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce with support from the Commercial Section of the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka.
A total of 57 Thai companies are participating in the exhibition, which will remain open to visitors at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel until July 25 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
