Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The three-day long Thailand Week 2025 kicked off at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Thursday, aiming to deepen bilateral economic ties and unlock new trade opportunities between Thailand and Bangladesh.
This year's edition brings together about 110 exhibitors, including leading Thai companies and their Bangladeshi importers and agents.
The exhibition showcases a wide range of products and services, including -chemicals, lubricants, health services, beauty products, agricultural machinery, construction materials, hardware, food and beverages, fashion, jewellery, baby care, stationery, and household goods.
The event was inaugurated by Panom Thongprayoon, Chargé d'affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka.
Thailand Week 2025 is jointly organized by the Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI), Thai-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka, and the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand.
Speaking to The Financial Express, BTCCI President Shams Mahmud said that such trade exhibitions play a key role in enhancing business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking, which in turn promotes trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
"In June, the Chittagong Port Authority and BTCCI agreed to launch direct shipping lines between Chattogram and Ranong ports to boost trade. If implemented, Bangladeshi export products could reach the Ranong port and then move onward to the EU. This will cut lead time by 12 days. Even for imports from China, we could save three days," he explained.
Shams added that around 50 Thai companies and 60 Bangladeshi companies are participating in this year's event to explore trade partnerships.
"Last year, a 50-member delegation from Bangladesh visited Thailand, and in October this year, another delegation will travel for further matchmaking. Our efforts are ongoing to expand bilateral business," he noted.
The BTCCI President also called for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries to unlock broader regional trade potential and emphasized the need for export diversification on Bangladesh's part.
Khemathat Archawathamrong, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) at the Office of Commercial Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka, also underscored the importance of export diversification for Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh mainly relies on RMG and labour exports. But to enter Thailand and other markets, it needs to expand into new product segments. Thailand, for example, offers a wide range of consumer goods, cosmetics, and more," he said.
He further highlighted the potential of Chattogram-Ranong connectivity, saying, "A new trade route using these ports will save both time and money significantly."
Archawathamrong noted that many Thai companies are already investing in various sectors in Bangladesh. "Last year, five Thai delegations visited Bangladesh's economic zones. Investors are seeking stable conditions for long-term investment," he said.
Responding to a question about the proposed FTA, he added, "Both sides have conducted studies and shared their views. Around 60 per cent of the feedback process is complete. The situation looks promising from both ends."
newsmanjasi@gmail.com