Thailand considers zero-tariff access of Bangladeshi items to its market
Friday, 8 February 2008
Thailand is considering giving zero-tariff access for a good number of items exported from Bangladesh to its market as a measure for enhancing trade ties between the two countries, reports UNB.
Meanwhile, the first lot of 1000 metric tones of rice from Thailand will arrive on February 26, under a government contingency measure for importing rice to stabilise the market.
These and other matters of cooperation between the two Asian countries came up when newly appointed Thai Ambassador Chalermipol Thanchit paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office Thursday.
The envoy apprised that the new government of Thailand took office Wednesday and their foreign policy would now be 'focused towards South Asia'.
The head of caretaker government congratulated the new Thai government and prime minister, saying that Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with Thailand.
Ambassador Thanchit further said Thailand Petroleum Authority is interested in gas exploration in Bangladesh.
Trade, commerce, investment and increased bilateral cooperation and no-visa system also came up at the meeting for discussion.
The chief adviser welcomed the Thai interest, saying that his government has approved a new Production Sharing Contract (PSC) model regarding gas and oil exploration. Tender will be floated in this regard, it was informed in the meeting.
"Thai investors can invest in Bangladesh availing of the advantage of prevailing business-friendly environment," he said.
He noted that tremendous improvement of Chittagong seaport service and sound law-and-order situation would be helpful for foreign investors.
Besides, he informed that the government has been simplifying business and investment rules and regulations as well as improving investment climate through the Regulatory Reforms Commission (RRC) and Bangladesh Better Business Forum (BBBF).
The chief adviser suggested that Thailand could presently invest in tourism and agro-processing sectors.
He welcomed infrastructure building by Thai investors, which would be a 'win-win situation for both the countries taking into account the cheap labour force in Bangladesh'.
The ambassador said he would try so that Thai investors invest in Bangladesh, particularly in constructing Elevated Expressway and Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
Meanwhile, the first lot of 1000 metric tones of rice from Thailand will arrive on February 26, under a government contingency measure for importing rice to stabilise the market.
These and other matters of cooperation between the two Asian countries came up when newly appointed Thai Ambassador Chalermipol Thanchit paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office Thursday.
The envoy apprised that the new government of Thailand took office Wednesday and their foreign policy would now be 'focused towards South Asia'.
The head of caretaker government congratulated the new Thai government and prime minister, saying that Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with Thailand.
Ambassador Thanchit further said Thailand Petroleum Authority is interested in gas exploration in Bangladesh.
Trade, commerce, investment and increased bilateral cooperation and no-visa system also came up at the meeting for discussion.
The chief adviser welcomed the Thai interest, saying that his government has approved a new Production Sharing Contract (PSC) model regarding gas and oil exploration. Tender will be floated in this regard, it was informed in the meeting.
"Thai investors can invest in Bangladesh availing of the advantage of prevailing business-friendly environment," he said.
He noted that tremendous improvement of Chittagong seaport service and sound law-and-order situation would be helpful for foreign investors.
Besides, he informed that the government has been simplifying business and investment rules and regulations as well as improving investment climate through the Regulatory Reforms Commission (RRC) and Bangladesh Better Business Forum (BBBF).
The chief adviser suggested that Thailand could presently invest in tourism and agro-processing sectors.
He welcomed infrastructure building by Thai investors, which would be a 'win-win situation for both the countries taking into account the cheap labour force in Bangladesh'.
The ambassador said he would try so that Thai investors invest in Bangladesh, particularly in constructing Elevated Expressway and Dhaka-Chittagong highway.