Dhaka: Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Wednesday urged the Thai entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh. 

He made the call while inaugurating the 5th four-day annual Thai trade fair, Thailand Week, at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital.

The trade fair was jointly organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DTP) under the Thai Commerce Ministry and Thai Embassy in Dhaka.

“We’re planning to establish 100 economic zones in different parts of the country with adequate facilities. We’re urging the Thai government and traders to invest in these zones. They can also take one of the special zones for investment,” Tofail said.

He further said, “Bangladesh has become the role model for the developing countries in South Asia next to India. It’s moving towards positive economic development. So, it’s a great opportunity (for others) to invest here for profitable business.”

About the fair, the Commerce Minister said this type of fair is an opportunity to introduce products from both the countries. “We arranged a Bangladesh Week in Thailand last year which drew huge response. We can now be introduced with Thai products. We can also introduce our products to Thai people through fair.”

A total of 50 companies from Thailand are displaying their products and services at the fair. Participants include both Thai exporters and Bangladeshi traders who import their products or act as agents of Thai companies.

Director General of Thai Department of International Trade Promotion Malee Choklumlerd and Thai Ambassador to Dhaka Panpimon Suwannapongse spoke at the event.    

Minister Counselor (Commercial) of Thai Trade Centre in Dhaka Suebasak Dongboonruen, President of Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) Sajjatuz Jumma, Director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Monowara Hakim were present.

Major products and services displayed at the fair include medicare services, cosmetic, beauty and wellness products, bedding accessories, spa, electrical appliances, stationery, household products, fruit, food, textile and fabrics, lingerie and handbags.