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Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Thursday called on Thai businesses to expand their investment in Bangladesh, expressing confidence that stronger trade and investment partnerships would take bilateral economic relations 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 hotel in Dhaka, the minister said Bangladesh and Thailand share a long-standing relationship built on mutual trust, respect and cooperation.
The event was attended by 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, according to a Commerce Ministry press release.
Muktadir described Thailand as one of Bangladesh’s important trading partners and said that although bilateral trade has grown steadily in recent years, significant untapped opportunities remain in both trade and investment.
He said Bangladesh has emerged as an attractive destination for foreign investors because of its strategic geographical location, large and expanding 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,” the minister said.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in expanding exports to Thailand, particularly pharmaceuticals, processed food, environmentally friendly jute products, leather goods and light engineering products.
Underscoring the importance of international trade fairs, Muktadir said such exhibitions are more than product showcases, serving as effective platforms for building direct business relationships among manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors, investors and entrepreneurs.
He expressed hope that Top Thai Brands 2026 would facilitate new commercial partnerships and make a meaningful contribution to increasing bilateral trade and investment.
Referring to the government’s ongoing economic reforms, the commerce minister said Bangladesh is implementing a range of measures to improve the business environment by facilitating trade, upgrading infrastructure, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening connectivity with international markets.
He stressed that responsible foreign investment plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities, promoting the transfer of advanced technologies and accelerating the country’s industrial development.
Muktadir encouraged participating Thai companies to deepen their engagement with Bangladeshi businesses, importers, distributors and investors, while urging local entrepreneurs to explore new export opportunities in the Thai market.
He expressed optimism that the exhibition would further strengthen economic cooperation as well as the longstanding friendship 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, welcoming visitors daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm.