Issue visas to Bangladeshi nationals without delay

Terming the relations between Bangladesh and Thailand time tested, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday urged the Thai government to take steps to issue visas to Bangladeshi nationals without delay.

Referring to Bangladesh's growing economy and its business-friendly environment, he called upon the Thai entrepreneurs to invest in the promising sectors of the country.

The minister made the calls while inaugurating a Thailand trade show titled 'Top Thai Brands-2019' at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the city.

The four-day exposition, 18th of its kind, is jointly organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the commerce ministry of Thailand and the Thai Embassy in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Kazi Aminul Islam, Charge d'Affaires at the Thai Embassy in Dhaka Craichok Arun, Minister-Counsellor (commercial) of Thai Embassy Suebsak Dangboonrueng, and Bangladesh-Thailand Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) President Md Shahjahan Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Tipu Munshi said that so many Bangladeshis go to Thailand every year for shopping, tourism and medical treatment, but getting Thai visa has somewhat become tougher than before, even for the business people.

"The authorities concerned should make the visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals easier as the two countries have been maintaining long-trusted friendship," he said.

Referring to the trade gap between the two countries, the minister said Thai investors should invest here as Bangladesh has been improving in the ease of doing business index and it also offers the most open-door policy for foreign investment.

He also said Thailand is the champion in terms of tourism. So, Bangladesh can make the friendly country a partner to replicate their experiences and policies to boost the tourism industry.

Thai Embassy Charge d'Affaires Craichok Arun said the trade fair will further strengthen the economic and trade relations between Bangladesh and Thailand.

It will also offer Bangladeshi importers a unique chance to check out various Thai products, which will help find new trade opportunities, he added.

Major categories of products and services displayed at the fair include food and beverage, fresh fruits, decorative items, electrical and home appliances, leather products, jewellery, textile items, motorbike parts, stationery, baby care products, health and beauty products, herbal products, etc.

This year, around 76 companies that import Thai products or act as local agent of Thai companies - both from Thailand and Bangladesh - have been displaying various products.

On the sideline of the fair, Thai office of Commercial Affairs in collaboration with Sonargaon Hotel have also arranged 'Thai Food Festival' and 'Thai classical dance' to be performed by Thai artists during the fair.

The first day was set for trade visitors while the remaining three days are open for all. The fair will remain open from 10:00am to 8:00pm every day up to March 30