Dhaka: 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.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 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 noted that although bilateral trade has been growing steadily, there remains enormous potential to expand trade and investment, as stated in a Commerce Ministry press release.
He highlighted Bangladesh's emergence as an attractive destination for foreign investment due to its strategic location, large consumer market, skilled workforce and investment-friendly policies. The minister emphasized welcoming Thai investment in promising sectors such as agro-processing, tourism, leather, readymade garments, automobile components, rubber products and other high-potential industries.
Additionally, the minister 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 underscored that such exhibitions are effective avenues for establishing direct business linkages among manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors, investors and entrepreneurs.
He mentioned that events like 'Top Thai Brands 2026' would help forge new business partnerships and contribute to expanding bilateral trade. Referring to the government's efforts to improve the business climate, the minister stated that Bangladesh is implementing initiatives to facilitate trade, develop infrastructure, accelerate digitalisation and strengthen connectivity with international markets.
The commerce minister stressed the importance of responsible foreign investment, stating it would create employment opportunities, promote advanced technologies and contribute significantly to the country's industrial development. He 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.
Muktadir 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.