Message - btcci.org.bd · Industry (DCCI) and is a listed joint Chamber of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). It was formed almost at the same

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MessageI am pleased to know that the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) has been trying to promote and enhance the trade and investment cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand since its inception.

It is also a good plan of the BTCCI to be publishing a Newsletter every six months to highlight its various activities including news of developments taking place in the areas of business, trade and investment between our two friendly countries.

With the support and group effort of BTCCI, the export volume of Bangladesh and Thailand has exceeded $1 billion already and I am confident that BTCCI will play a more active role to help increase this volume in the near future. I take this opportunity to congratulate the President, Board of Directors and Members of the BTCCI for the achieved success and wish everyone of them continuing success both in the collective tenure of their membership and also in their individual businesses.

On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and its Office of the Commercial Affairs in Dhaka, I assure BTCCI of full support in the further enhancement of bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand.

Royal Thai Embassy Dhaka

Madurapochana IttarongAmbassador of Thailand to Bangladesh

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From The Editor’s DeskA warm welcome to our business delegation travelling to Thailand as a prelude to the Bangladesh Roadshow 2013 to be organized by Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) in the very near future.Congratulations to our new members inducted recently from whom we expect and seek new ideas and plans to help us move forward in the coming days.You are aware that BTCCI took the initiative to publish News Letter of the Chamber periodically to highlight its activities and disseminate the same to its honorable members. The News Letter is also distributed to different chamber bodies, concerned govt. and semi-govt. agencies as well as to Thai business community through their embassy in Bangladesh. This is the 5th issue covering the activities of BTCCI upto March, 2013. I, on behalf of the BOD BTCCI would like to thank all those sponsors who assisted us with advertisement subscription and especially our dynamic President for his constant support and guidance in bringing out this issue to coincide with the visit of the BTCCI delegation to Thailand from March 12-15, 2013.

Sd/-Engineer Mohammed Ali Editor-BTCCI News LetterVice President BTCCI

BTCCI IntroductionBTCCI was established in the year 2003 under the umbrella of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and is a listed joint Chamber of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). It was formed almost at the same time Thai Bangla Business Council (TBBC) was formed in Thailand under the Thailand Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade. BTCCI is run by a 15 (fifteen) member Board of Directors elected bi-annually by the General Members. It consists of Companies, Corporate bodies as well as individuals engaged in Trade, Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Manufacture etc. The President, Sr. Vice President, Vice President, Director Admin and Director Finance are elected by the Board for a term of 2 years.Over the years BTCCI has become a forum for discussion and establishment of business contacts and bussines promotions between Bangladesh and Thailand. It is growing steadily with induction of large, medium and small Companies joining up as members at regular intervals.

BTCCI VisionTo accelerate economic prosperity of Thailand and Bangladesh through trade,business and investment.

BTCCI MissionTo serve with commitment and dedication the business community of Bangladesh and Thailand for promoting Trade, Commerce and Investment for the economic growth of both the countries.

BTCCI Objectivesp To promote and develop trade, investment and

industry between Bangladesh and Thailand.

p To collect and provide business related data, informations, circulars, rules, regulations etc. and disseminate these amongst the members.

p To identify difficulties and problems in investment and trade barriers faced by members and take adequate steps to overcome those.

p To target new areas of business and investment and take appropriate steps to tap potential interested groups, joint ventures between Bangladesh and Thailand.

p To provide consultation to members and to undertake by arbitration settlement of disputes arising out of business transaction.

p To provide recommendations to Government in the area of trade, investment and industry related matters.

p To provide and coordinate as a forum to exchange, receive and promote business activities between Government Agencies, Private Organizations and other Chamber Bodies.

p To organize / arrange training programs, work-shops, seminars, symposiums, trade delegations and trade fairs participation inside and outside the country.

p To issue document certification including refe-rence letter, trade related documents etc.

BTCCI Board ofDirectors 2011-12

Office-BearersMr. M. A. Momen PresidentMr. Sajjatuz Jumma Sr. Vice PresidentMr. Mohammed Ali Vice PresidentMr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan Director AdminMr. Abu Rushd Tarek Director FinanceDirectorsMr. Imtiaz FaruqueMr. M.R.A. TahaMr. Santi PongchaisoponLate Samson H. ChowdhuryMajor M. Taneem Hasan (Retd)Mr. Matiur RahmanMr. Zafar OsmanMr. Md. Enayet HusainMr. M. Salem SulaimanMr. Shahzada HamidMs. Usa Wijarurn Honorary DirectorSecretariat Md. Nazmul HossenAssistant Secretary

Chief Patron H.E. Madurapochana Ittarong

Patron Mr. Md. Sabur Khan

BTCCI Advisor Eng. Rashed Maksud Khan

BTCCI Secretariat42-I,Indira Road,Dhaka 1215, BangladeshTel : 880-2-9126535,8112704 Fax : 880-2-8113518 E-mail : [email protected]

BTCCI Newsletter, the fifth in succession is coming out at a time when a team of twenty plus business delegaiton is going to visit Thailand as a prelude to holding of Bangladesh Roadshow 2013 planned in the very near future.A good number of members from the Tanneries, Leathergoods Exporters Associations, BGMEA and BKMEA are also expected to participate in a International Trade Fair on Apparels and Leathergoods scheduled in Bangkok during March 13-17, 2013.The setting is important as this visit follows the recent state visit to Bangladesh by Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, Hon’ble prime minister of Thailand alongwith a contingent of seventy plus businessmen to Bangladesh. During the visit a number of important MoU’s were signed between our two Government on the occasion. A B2B meeting was organized by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce Industry (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) at the Raddison Hotel, Dhaka. All board members of BTCCI and important business leaders were invited to join at the dinner hosted by the FBCCI in honour of the visiting Thai prime minister.BTCCI president also attended a Investors’ Forum meeting held at the Sonargaon Hotel the following day participated by BOI, BEPZA and the business delegation from Thailand. Following the important visit by the Thai prime minister and her entourage it is expected that the trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand would double by the year 2016.It is with deep regret that BTCCI recalls the sudden passing away of its hon’ble director Mr. Samson H Chowdhury on 05.01.2012. He was 86 years old. An article on Late Chowdhury published in the special bulletin of FBCCI is reprinted here as a tribute to a great business leader of our country.Like other years Thai business delegations came to Bangladesh and this month again the “Thailand Trade Show” 2013 is being held at the Sonargaon Hotel Dhaka organized by DITP Thailand and supported by the Thai Airways. Members of the BTCCI Board of Directors were all invited to join the inaugural ceremony graced by the hon’’ble Industries Minister of Bangladesh Mr. Dilip Barua.BTCCI is indebted to HE Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh for her constant advice and support extended to BTCCI since her arrival in Bangladesh. BTCCI convey its appreciation to different chambers and relevant government bodies for their cooperation extended to it during its current tenure. Our sincerest acknowledgement to the TBBC president Mr. Mingpant Chiya, the Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy Ms. Usa Wijarurn, the Bangladesh Embassy, Thailand and BOI authorities of both Thailand and Bangladesh for their support whenever approached. Finally, our gratification to all our BTCCI members for their inspirative and continued support extended to our Board of Directors.

M A MomenPresident, BTCCI

From The President’s DeskVol-1, Issue - 5

btcci

Bangladesh and Thailand Want to Double Bilateral Trade by 2016

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Vol 1, Issue 5

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and IndustryNews Letter

Bangladesh-Thai relationsgrow with passage of time for 40 years

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Santi PongchaisoponDirector

Zafar OsmanDirector

Usa WijarurnHonorary Director

Mohammed AliVice President

Mohammad Shahjahan KhanDirector Administration

Imtiaz FaruqueDirector

Matiur RahmanDirector

Shahzada HamidDirector

Sajjatuz JummaSr. Vice President

M A MomenPresident

Late Samson H. ChowdhuryDirector

Major M. Taneem Hasan (Retd.)Director

M. Salem SulaimanDirector

Abu Rushd TarekDirector Finance

M. R. A. TahaDirector

Md. Enayet HusainDirector

Board of Directors for the term 2011-2012

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Lest we forget: Samson H Chowdhury (Late Director of BTCCI)

M A MomenPresident, BTCCI

Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough. I could find this truth in the personality of Samson H Chowdhury. It was during my early years as an active member of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the 90s when I met Mr Chowdhury, a businessman of repute who built an industry called ‘Square’ brick by brick.

In 2006, I was elected the president of DCCI and I planned that as soon as I would be sworn in, I would make it a point to formally call upon the FBCCI, ICC and MCCI Presidents to seek their blessings. I first met ICC President Mahbubur Rahman and then some of our revered DCCI Past Presidents but before I could go to the MCCI, to my great surprise, Samson H Chowdhury personally came to our DCCI and congratulated me on my assumption of office as its President. He reminded me that all chamber leaders must work unitedly to generate more vibrancy and action in all our business activities in the future. I was so moved by the oneness expressed by Chowdhury in such a charismatic and modest manner that I immediately became one of his great fan.

I invited Mr Chowdhury as a special guest, a discussant and often as a special invitee in all our programmes of DCCI. Once Mr. Chowdhury confirmed his participation he would arrive punctually and gave cent percent to establish a point he thought was befitting to our business and industry. On a business trip as entourage of the Prime Minister to India, he advised me to listen more and say less. Traveling, he said, revealed a true character of a person in terms of his/her taste of food, clothes and etiquettes. During my tenure and later in the years that followed, I had matured in many ways accepting Samson H Chowdhury as a mentor and guide.

In the troubled times before the caretaker government took over, the business community under a common platform tried to diffuse the tension and confrontation that prevailed at that time. As leader of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) together with other important Chamber and Association leaders, we were desperately trying to hold discussion meetings with major political party leaders to reach a consensus on holding of a free and fair national election. To my mind, it was one of the most difficult period of our business era and it was in this scenario that I discovered in Samson H Chowdhury a true business leader of great stature who tried passionately to lead us from the front. His composed and cool manner in expressing our concern to our national leaders simply amazed all!

As years whizzed past, ‘Square’ under Chowdhury’s dynamic leadership became a leading business house in Bangladesh with several industries under its belt. Square is now a household name and its creator a doyen of the business community in Bangladesh.

I must mention here another memorable incident. Having done fairly well to promote The Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) as its president my colleagues in the Board and other senior business leaders requested me to continue for a second term also. Most reluctantly, I had submitted my nomination paper to contest for the post of Director first. When the Election Commission disclosed that Samson H Chowdhury had also submitted

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a nomination paper to contest for a Director’s position. I along with RM Khan, founder President of BTCCI and former DCCI President, went to Chowdhury’s office to verify if he was really a serious candidate. At hindsight, I was worried that I would have to contest with a business Tycoon like Chowdhury though at heart I was happy that BTCCI would have the honour to receive the services of such an experienced business leader to take our chamber forward.

To everyone’s surprise Samson H Chowdhury disclosed that he was a ‘Thai Elite’ already and wanted to contest as Director in order to explore more business opportunities in Thailand and to visit Bangkok Hospital for regular medical check-ups only.

After the election was over, some of our board members confided to me that Mr Chowdhury, being Chairman of a conglomerate group, would hardly spare time for BTCCI. Well! once again Mr Chowdhury proved everyone wrong. His presence at our board meetings during the seven month period was 82 per cent. Perhaps this percentage would have been more if BTCCI was able to hold its meetings on the ground floor. (Chowdhury was refrained from climbing stairs as advised by his doctor.)

Samson H Chowdhury was not keeping well since 2011. His health condition was deteriorating slowly. In our last Board meeting in May 2011, he wanted BTCCI to hold its Installation Ceremony at either Hotel Sonargaon or the Westin Hotel whichever was available. When we raised the issue that it would be expensive for a bilateral chamber to bear the cost, he immediately volunteered to take its burden on him. I remember him mentioning clearly and categorically, “If you plan to make something big, you have to do something big! You may see a bilateral chamber doing big things while regional chambers would fail to do so, sometimes because of internal politics within.”

Alas! Our honourable Director did not make it to our installation ceremony which was held on the 18th July 2011 at the Westin Hotel, Dhaka! Chowdhury was not well and advised complete rest. The ballroom of Westin was filled with business luminaries from various sectors including diplomats. Our chief guest, Mohammed Faruk Khan, the then, Commerce Minister, mentioned about Samson H Chowdhury’s contribution to our economy and how pleased he was to know his inclusion in the new Board of Directors of BTCCI. Truly, every one present missed him on that day.

Samson H Chowdhury breathed his last on 5th January 2012. He was 86. Total remorse, sadness and emptiness engulfed all the business community in our capital city and soon around the country as the news of his sad demise spread like wildfire. The latest among his creations the Masranga TV was breaking the news of his sad demise. All other channels were also doing the same, making the news hitting their headlines.

The first hand news led many like me to rush to his office and then to his residence. There were hundreds already there. We were informed that Samson H Chowdhury’s body was coming in a coffin from Singapore the following day at around 11pm. By now all from the business, service and other occupation, came to know that the great business icon was no more in this world. A mass was organized at the Ramna Cathedral to pay homage to the great leader Samson H Chowdhury. I attended with many of our colleagues and friends.

For some one who was larger than life, the Church seemed to be so small a place that night! It was full of commanding heights from all professions and all religions. It was a gathering of not

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only the highest elites of our business industry and society but people from all walks of life. It was something I had never seen or witnessed before.

One by one, business leaders, the Christian community leaders, his closest relatives and friends, people from the print and electronic media, his company personnels, diplomats, politicians and commoners all paid profound respect to the great business tycoon who lay still in a coffin as the church bells rang on.

Samson H Chowdhury’s son Tapan Chowdhury in an emotion chocked voice revealed how sad he and his family members were from the time their father’s news of passing away in Singapore was announced. On behalf of their family, he expressed deep gratitude and thanks to all those who had sent condolences and flowers to their Dhaka and village home.

Late Samson H Chowdhury’s coffin was taken to his village in Pabna where hundreds and thousands paid their last respects. His body was buried the following day with full honour and ritual.

Many winters had brought death with it but this year’s winter was unbearable. We had lost a great leader of our business community who was a visionary, a guide and a warm companion. In the midst of another political turbulence torpedoing, I wonder who would be coming forward to advocate for us to show more patience, resilience and character. I wonder where we shall find another person, with such humility and humbleness, grace and gentleness.

To me, Samson H Chowdhury was one of the most well dressed persons I had ever met, a most elegant and well versed human being. His values, ethics and ideals would surely be imitated by his countless followers and admirers. He often praised me in superlative terms and I instantly became a hero of some sort.

Last one year or so, he had serious health problems but never allowed that to overshadow his dynamism over other things. He not only spoke about what he believed in but set out to do what he preached. We shall miss Samson H Chowdhury, a true guardian of our business community.

May his great soul rest in eternal peace!

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BTCCI Activities

Visit of Thai Prime Minister to Bangladesh during 21-22 December, 2012.

Her Excellency Yingluck Sinawatra, hon’ble Primer Minister of the royal kingdom of Thailand made a state visit to Bangladesh during 21-22 December, 2012. In addition to government officials, a large contingent of Thai business people from various sectors accompanied the Thai Premier. On this occasion the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( BTCCI) in collaboration of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FBCCI) hosted a reception to the hon’ble Thai Prime Minister and her entourage. A B2B meeting was held on December 21, 2012 between the businesses of the two countries at Radisson Water Blu Garden Hotel in the city. Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI handed over a crest to the honorable Thai Prime Minister on behalf of BTCCI. The members of the Board of Directors of BTCCI were also present.

On this occasion the FBCCI arranged a business networking dinner at Radisson Water Garden Hotel on December 21, 2012 evening wherein the Thai Prime Minister and her entourage and the directors of FBCCI, BTCCI (Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and renowned business personalities of Bangladesh were present. Mr. M A

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Momen, President of BTCCI and Director of FBCCI inaugurated the B2B Meeting between the businesses of the two countries.

In his inaugural speech Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI briefly highlighted the prevailing excellent investment opportunities in Bangladesh and invited the Thai businessmen to invest directly or through joint venture in sectors like RMG, Shipbuilding, Pharmaceuticals, Leather products etc which are labor intensive and Bangladesh having a huge work force is in a position to offer labor at most competitive price. Mr. Momen also said investments in these sectors by the Thai entrepreneurs would help to increase bilateral business substantiality and reduce the trade gap between the two friendly countries which is at present heavily tilted towards Thailand.

Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI presented a crest to the Thai Premier on behalf of Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) as a memento of the event.

Jointly Participating in the BOI Fair 2012, BangkokA Bangladesh Business Delegation consisting of 15 Members from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) left Dhaka for Thailand on 10 January, 2012 to attend the BOI Fair 2011-12 in Bangkok, Thailand being held from 5-20 January, 2012.

The Fair organized by Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand is the largest International Exhibition held since the last one decade ago. The occasion was also to mark the 84th birthday of HE King Bhumibol of Thailand.

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The business delegation led by M.A. Momen, Director, FBCCI and President, Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) called on Dr.Witoon Simachokedee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry on 11 January, 2012 at 11:00 am at the latter’s office. They discussed matters of mutual interest ranging from business promotion and business development in both countries. H.E. Dr.Witoon assured the Bangladesh Delegation of all cooperation from his Ministry and Government and wished all success of their visit to Thailand.

The delegation attended a Seminar titled ‘Thailand Bangladesh Business Summit’ at BOI Impact Forum Hall at 2 pm. The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand HE Kazi Imtiaz Hossain spoke at the Seminar, while Mr. M.A. Momen, Director, FBCCI and President, Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) presented a paper on Investment and Business Opportunities in Bangladesh. Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President, Thai Bangladesh Business Council also spoke on the occasion highlighting business opportunities in Thailand. Mr.ChokedeeKaewsang, Deputy Director General, BOI Thailand conveyed the vote of thanks to an audience of around 125 participants attending the seminar.

It was followed by a Dinner hosted by H.E. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand at his residence.

Earlier on 10th January, 2012 the Bangladesh Business Delegation soon after their arrival in Thailand was invited to a discussion meeting at a local hotel followed by Dinner hosted by the Thai Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC). The members of both FBCCI & TBBC exchanged views on mutual business interests and joint venture co-operations in various sectors including RMG, Electronics, Hotels and Hospitalities, Agro products and Industrial Manufacturing etc.

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New Ambassador of Thailand promises increased Business with BangladeshBangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) held a reception in honor of HE Madurapochana Ittarong, new Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh at a local club recently.

Mr M A Momen, President of BTCCI welcomed the Ambassador and introduced her to its members. The Hon’ble Ambassador distributed certificates to the newly inducted members of the chamber also.

In his address of welcome Mr Momen said that Bangladesh and Thailand were tested friends and the ethnic historical and cultural ties of both the countries went back to years ago.

Currently the trade volume between our two friendly countries exceeded US$ 1.2 billion and in this regard both the BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy through its Thai Trade Center based in Dhaka were doing their best.

Seen in the photo Mr M A Momen, President of BTCCI handed over a crest to HE Miss Madurapochana Ittarong, Hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh. Mr Asif Ibrahim, Patron of BTCCI and President of DCCI, Mr Sajjatuz Jumma, Sr. Vice President of BTCCI were also present.

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President Momen also said that the economies of Bangladesh and Thailand were complementary but there were some products which could be manufactured at each others point to overcome competition and market there internationally. He said that Bangladesh provided a low cost production base and competitive labor market for Thai Businessmen and therefore Bangladesh could be their investment destination. Thailand could also play an important role by investing in Bangladesh’s infrastructure like Roads and Highways, Power and Energy, Agro processing and such labor intensive sectors.

Seen in the photo Mr Mohammad Faruk Khan, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism delivered his speech as the Guest of Honor in the reception program in honor of new ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh. (From Left to Right) Mr Asif Ibrahim, Patron of BTCCI and President of DCCI, Mr M R A Taha, Director of BTCCI, HE Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, Hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, Mr M A Momen, President of BTCCI, Mr Anwar Hossain, Chairman of Anwar Group, Mr Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC’B were also present.

Mr Mohammad Faruk Khan, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh attended the reception as a Guest of Honor. In his speech, the minister emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. He stressed that potentials in our Tourism, Agro Processing, Jute and Jute goods, Light Engineering and various infrastructure facilities could also be explored. He said that Bangladesh as a member of BIMSTEC could be considered by Thailand as a hub to integrate with other ASEAN countries. The Minister also endorsed the proposal of President of BTCCI to organize a “Road Show or Showcase Bangladesh” sometimes in the month of January 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The new Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms Madurapochana Ittarong thanked BTCCI for such a warm welcome extended to her and for introducing her to such a galaxy of business luminaries present on the occasion. She said that the involvement of a big company like Ital-Thai Development Company Limited for construction of the 26 kilometers

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Elevated Express way was a proof of Thailand’s interest to consider Bangladesh as an investment destination. The hon’ble Ambassador emphasized that apart from trading only, now both the countries should try to establish strategic partnerships. She assured of all cooperation and support from her embassy to BTCCI in this regard.

Important business leaders who attended the reception included the president of ICC’B Mr Mahbubur Rahman, Mr Anwar Hossain, Chairman of Anwar Group, Mr Md Jashim Uddin, Vice Chairman of Bengal Group and First Vice President of FBCCI, Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President and Advisor of BTCCI, Mr. Rashed Ahmed Ali, President of Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI), Mr. Masudur Rahman, President of Canada-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Can. Cham.), Mr. Mir Md. Imam Hossain, President of Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI) and Mr. Syed Nurul Islam, Malaysia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MBCCI).

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Chronology of BTCCI Activities in 2012January 1, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the opening Ceremony of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. H.E. Sheikh Hasina, honorable Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest while Commerce Minister Mr. G M Quader and FBCCI President Mr. A K Azad were special guests. Thailand was the event partner of the DITF.January 4, 2012: President M A Momen attended the meeting with Bangladesh Business Delegation to Thailand for updating program of BOI Fair 2012 at Bangkok, Thailand. January 5, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI was shocked to learn the sad demise of Mr. Samson H. Chowdhury, Chairman of Square Group and Director of BTCCI in Singapore. He sent condolences to all BTCCI Members. January 6, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the Funeral Ceremony of Late Samson H Chowdhury at 10 pm.January 7, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the “SAARC LEAD 2012” (5th Asian Youth Convention) opening ceremony at 10.30 am at BICC, Dhaka. Mr. Momen also attended the meeting with HE Mr. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, hon’ble Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand and Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of TBBC to finalize Thailand tour of FBCCI & BTCCI Delegation at the Sonargaon Hotel.January 9, 2012: President M A Momen gave a final briefing to FBCCI & BTCCI Delegation members to Thailand at FBCCI Board Room at 5 pm. January 10, 2012: President M A Momen on behalf of FBCCI & BTCCI led a 15 member business delegation to Thailand to participate in the BOI Fair 2012, Thailand. The President presented a paper on Trade & Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh in a seminar attended by more than hundred representatives from various companies of Thailand. HE Mr. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, honorable Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand also spoke in the seminar and later hosted a dinner at his residence in honor of the delegation members.

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January 11, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen made a call on meeting with the permanent secretary of Industry Ministry, Thailand. The delegation led by M A Momen joined Bangladesh Thai investment seminar held at 11am on the day organized by BOI, Thailand. Mr. Momen hosted a dinner in honor of HE Mr. Imtiaz Hossain, honorable Ambassador of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Thailand at the Hilton Hotel, Bangkok. TBBC President Mr. Mingpant Chaya also joined as special Guest. They discussed about strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Thailand in developing trade and investment.January 12, 2012: The delegation led by Mr. Momen, BTCCI President took part in a B2B (Business to Business) Meeting. They also visited BOI Fair Thailand 2012 and Foreign Ministry of Thailand.January 13, 2012: The delegation attended a dinner hosted by FBCCI.January 14, 2012: BTCCI President attended Samson H Chowdhury Memorial Meeting at the Celebrity Hall of Bangabandhu International Conference Center, Dhaka. Mr. Momen also attended a networking Buffet reception hosted by CanCham. to welcome Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh HE Mr. Hether Cruden.January 23, 2012: President Momen attended the Luncheon meeting with the IFC and WB at 12 PM in the Pan Pacific Sonargaon HotelFebruary 4, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the 10th Foundation Anniversary of Daffodil International University at Ashulia, Dhaka.February 5, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended Eid-E-Miladunnabi Milad Mahfil at Bangabhaban hosted by the hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. February 6, 2012: President M A Momen attended the Working Committee meeting of SME Foundation on “Policy Making for SME” at the Royal Tower , Panthapath, Dhaka.February 20, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the meeting of “World Summit Conference” held at FBCCI at 12.30 pm. February 22, 2012: BTCCI Board meeting was held at Dhaka Club Ltd at 6pm. BTCCI hosted a dinner at Dhaka Club Ltd in honor of visiting Delegation of Amata Group of Thailand. Mr. Mohammad Faruk Khan, hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation attended the dinner.

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February 24, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the opening ceremony of Thai Trade Fair at Chittagong.

February 26, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the JAICA Consultants meeting held at Bangladesh Bank.

February 27, 2012: President M A Momen attended a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor on the discussion of the current economic situation in Bangladesh.

Mr. M A Momen also attended “Sangkran Festival” at the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka.

March 3, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended dinner at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on the occasion of 40 years of relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.

March 5, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended a meeting followed by dinner in honor of Cambodian Business Delegation hosted by DCCI at the Dhaka Club Ltd, Dhaka.

March 10, 2012: President M A Momen attended Council of chamber presidents meeting held at FBCCI. Mr. Golam Mohammad Quader , Minister for Commerce was present as the chief guest.

March 13, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the CIP Card distribution program of FBCCI held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel wherein BTCCI President received the CIP Card for the year 2012 from Mr. Golam Mohammad Quader, Minister for Commerce who was was present as the chief guest.

March 15, 2012: BTCCI President attended the seminar “Recent Development in Myanmar, New opportunities for Regional Co-operation” held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel. Mr. G M Quader, hon’ble Commerce Minister was present as the chief guest.

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March 28, 2012: President M A Momen attended the inauguration Ceremony of the “Thai Trade Show 2012” held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel wherein Commerce Minister G M Quader, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mohammad Faruk Khan were present to inaugurate the fair.

April 1, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended World Trade Organization (WTO) Meeting held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

April 4, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the reception given to HE Shiekh Hasina at the BICC, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of victory on Maritime Boundary settlement organized by FBCCI.

April 15, 2012: President M A Momen attended the ADB Seminar “Briefing Country Program Mission” held at plot-31, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Mr. Momen also attended the “Bangladesh-USA Trade Relationships” seminar held at FBCCI. HE Mr. Dan W Mozena, hon’ble Ambassador of USA to Bangladesh was present as the chief guest.

April 17, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the meeting followed by dinner at the Hotel Radisson Water Garden hosted by Mr. Hasan Majumder, Country Representative-Bangladesh of Asia Foundation in honor of Mr. David D Arnold, President of Asia Foundation.

April 18, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the 19th Anniversary of publication of the English daily the Financial Express followed by dinner at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.

April 28, 2012: BTCCI Board Meeting was held at the Dhaka Club Ltd at 7 pm followed by Dinner.

May 2, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen left for Thailand for meeting with Amata Corporation at the Thai Language Training Center, Bangkok for export of Laborer to Thailand.

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May 4, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended a meeting followed by Dinner with Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of TBBC at Bangkok, Thailand.May 21, 2012: BTCCI President attended a meeting with HE Mr. Geof, hon’ble Ambassador of Southe Africa to Bangladesh.May 24, 2012: President M A Momen attended Grand Inaugural of ‘Channel 24’ Television Channel at Tejgaon owned by Mr. A K Azad, President of FBCCI.May 31, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the Certificate Giving Ceremony to the participants of training on Information Technology for the officials of various chambers and associations arranged by FBCCI.

June 2, 2012: 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of BTCCI was held at Dhaka Club Ltd, Dhaka.

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The BTCCI accorded a reception to HE Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, new Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh and hosted a dinner on this occasion. Mr. Mohammad Faruk, Khan Hon’ble Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister attended the program as chief guest.

June 14, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended a seminar on “Environmental issue in Bangladesh“ held at FBCCI. Dr. Hasan Mahmud, hon’ble Minister for Environment & Forest was present as the chief guest.

June 23, 2012: BTCCI Board meeting was held at the Gulshan Club Ltd at 6.30pm.

July 2, 2012: President M A Momen attended a seminar on “Dynamics of Industrial Growth” held at DCCI. Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Former Advisor to Caretaker Government of Bangladesh was present as chief guest.

July 17, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended a seminar on “JICA Preparatory study for private sector development program” held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel. Mr. Dilip Barua, Hon’ble Minister for Industries was present as the chief guest.

July 20, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended a memorial meeting on Architect Mozharul Islam held at the BICC, Sher-E-Banglanagar, Dhaka.

July 21, 2012: President Momen attended Seminar “Bangladesh-India Economic relations” held at DCCI. Mr. Golam Mohammad Quader, hon’ble Minister for Commerce was present as the chief guest.

July 22, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the B2B meeting with the delegation of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) held at FBCCI.

July 28, 2012: The President of BTCCI attended the Ifter Party hosted by FBCCI at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in honor of diplomats of Foreign Missions in Bangladesh.

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August 07, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the Ifter Party at the Radisson Hotel hosted by Turkey-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Commerce Minister G M Quader was present as the chief guest.

September 23, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended a meeting with Thai Ambassador to discuss on improving export volume of 3 products from Bangladesh to Thailand, discuss for setting a BOD meeting date with Chittagong based members so that the ambassador would remain present on the meeting.

September 25, 2012: HE Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, hon’ble ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh arranged a meeting followed by dinner with the BTCCI Board of Directors and some BTCCI members who are involved with the RMG sector business for the discussion on the export potentiality of 3 products (Yarn, Fabrics & Tapiaca) from Thailand to Bangladesh. BTCCI President M A Momen, some of the directors and invited general members were present in the program.

September 29, 2012: BTCCI Board of Directors meeting was held at the Dhaka Club Ltd.

October 04, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the Seminar on “Trade Facilitation in Bangladesh Constraints and Way Forward” held at MCCI auditorium. Mr. G M Quader, Hon’ble Commerce Minister was present as the chief guest.

October 6, 2012: Meeting of BTCCI Board of Director was held at the Surma Lounge, Dhaka Club Ltd at 4.30pm.

October 8, 2012: President M A Momen attended the Seminar on “SME’s: Catalyst of D-8 Economy” held at Ruposhi Banglad Hotel. HE Sheikh Hasina, hon’ble Prime Minister of the People’s Repulic of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest.

October 10, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the inaugural Ceremony of “3rd D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Industrial Cooperation-2012” held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.

November 4, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended the luncheon meeting “ Transforming Bangladesh” arranged by Amcham. HE Mr. Dan W Mozena, hon’ble Ambassador of USA to Bangladesh was present as the chief guest.

December 11, 2012: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended a co-ordination meeting in Foreign Ministry regarding the upcoming visit of HE Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand during December 21-22, 2012.

December 21, 2012: BTCCI President M A Momen attended the Business Networking Dinner hosted by FBCCI wherein BTCCI Directors and members attended also BTCCI played the proactive role in the program. Before the dinner, A B2B meeting between Bangladesh and Thailand businessmen was organized jointly by BTCCI, BOI Bangladesh,

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BOI Thailand, The Royal Thai Embassy & FBCCI. Mr. M A Momen, President of the chamber inaugurated the B2B meeting and BTCCI presented a crest of BTCCI to hon’ble Prime Minister of Thailand as a memento of the event.

December 22, 2012: President Mr. M A Momen moderated the seminar titled “Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh and Thailand” held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka attended by Business people from both Bangladesh and Thailand. Representatives from BOI, Bangladesh and BEPZA presented country papers in the seminar.

Mr. Momen also attended the Luncheon meeting hosted by HE Shiekh Hasina, hon’ble Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in honor of HE Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, hon’ble Prime Minister of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.

March 7, 2013: Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI attended in the Inaugural Ceremony of the Thai Trade Show held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Industries Mr. Dilip Barua.

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Other ActivitiesCongratulatory Letters were sent on behalf of BTCCI President Mr. M A Momen and all the members of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) to the following:1. Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman, President of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry

(MCCI) for being elected MCCI President for the term 2013. 2. Mr. Md. Sabur Khan, President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) for

being elected DCCI President for the term 2013.3. Major M Tanim Hasan, Chairman, RAOWA Club Ltd for being elected RAOWA Club

Ltd for the term 2013. 4. Mr. Shahzada Hamid, President of Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

(DBCCI) for being elected President of DBCCI for the term 2012-13, 5. Mr. Tanveer Muzhar Islam, President of Dhaka Club Ltd for being the president of

Dhaka Club Ltd.

Condolence letter was sent on behalf of BTCCI by President Mr. M A Momen to the following: 1. Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd upon the sad

demise of his father late Mr. Samson H Chowdhury.

Eligibility of BTCCI Membership

1. General Members Any person including firm, company or organization dealing in business primarily

with or in Thailand or in Thai Products is eligible to be a General Member of the Chamber.

2. Honorary Member The Board of Directors may invite any distinguished person to become Honorary Member of the Chamber.

Membership Fees for General Members Entry Fee Tk. 20,000/- (Taka Twenty Thousand) only.Annual Subscription Tk. 10,000/- (Taka Ten Thousand) only.Membership ProcedureEligible firm / companies / organizations can collect Membership Application Form from the office of BTCCI and submit the same along with the required Membership Fee (Tk. 10,000/- as entry fee and Tk. 10,000/- as current year subscription) and their supporting documents consisting of:1. Copy of Certificate of Incorporation2. Copy of Trade License3. Copy of TIN4. Documents related to previous and current business with Thailand/Bangladesh.The membership is subject to approval by the Board of Directors of BTCCI.

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BTCCI in News Papers

BTCCI AGM puts thrust on bilateral trade growthThe Financial Express, Monday, June 04, 2012

Bangladesh-Thailand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) held its 8th annual general meeting (AGM) 2011 Saturday.MA Momen, president of the chamber, read out the annual report of the Board of Directors for 2011. Senior vice-president of the chamber Sajjatuz Jumma, vice-president Mohammed Ali, director admin Mohammad Shahjahan Khan and director finance Abu Rushd Tarek were present along with the other board members.Mr Momen thanked the office- bearers and new and old members for their trust on the executive committe and briefly talked about the chamber’s various activities over the last one year, induction of new members, financial position and the growth potential of bilateral relation between Thailand and Bangladesh in the years to come.The chamber members commemorated its director Samson H Chowdhury who breathed his last in January this year and observed one minute silence during the AGM. They also paid homage to Mr Chowdhury by remembering his sincerity and devotion in carrying out the activities when the board of directors was formed last year and appreciated his contribution as the humblest patron.Mr Momen mentioned that the bilateral ties between the two countries as well as other trade bodies has got a further height during the last one year while expressing deep condolence over the demise of people in the devastating flood Thailand face last year. Also the number of members has increased from 42 to 94.BTCCI also arranged a reception for few luminaries of the country’s business community who were just honoured nationally and internationally for their outstanding contribution in their respective field.The persons who were honoured by the chamber were Mahbubur Rahman, president of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Bangladesh, Anwar Hossain, chairman of Anwar Group of Industries and BTCCI director M R A Taha.Mr Mahbubur Rahman won the Lifetime Achievement Award and Anwar Hossain the Businessman of the Year award of DHL-Daily Star Bangladesh Business Awards 2011 held on May 18.Mr Mahbub thanked the chamber board members and members for honouring him. “I am devoting more of my time in the association of you people and in the capacity of mine in the FBCCI, DCCI, ICC and so on. Anyways, as far as my achievement is concerned I do not value it that much but your friendship and good relation have been treasure of mine,” said the pioneer in business sector of the country.

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Exports to Thailand rise 73pcThe Daily Star, Friday, March 23, 2012Bangladesh’s exports to Thailand increased 73.66 percent in 2011 from a year ago, as demand for fertilizer and pesticide, garments, yarn and fibre, fresh aquatic animals, chilled frozen foods and textile items increased in the Southeast Asian market.Exports to Thailand rose to $42.20 million in 2011 from $24.3 million in 2010, according to data from the Southeast Asian nation’s commerce ministry. Thailand exported $1.21 billion of goods to Bangladesh in 2011. Relations between the two nations have developed over the last 40 years, especially in trade, said UsaWijarurn, director of Thai Trade Centre. Thailand exports rice, polymers, woven fabrics, sugar, yarn, synthetic filament and staple fibres, chemical products, refined fuel, machinery and parts, auto-parts and paper to Bangladesh, Wijarurn said.SuwapongSirisorn, Charge d’affaires of the Thai Embassy said “Trade between Bangladesh and Thailand is increasing by the year.” Econmic relations can be developed not only by bilateral trade but also through investment in the form of joint venture business and in tourism, said Sirisorn. Thailand will organize a trade show in Bangladesh at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka to increase business opportunities between the two countries.Thailand Trade show 2012, a three-day event, will start on March 29 to expand the opportunities with the business communities of both countries to accelerate the economic relations, Wijarurn said.The trade show is supposed to be an assembly of all interested traders and importers as well as classified consumers and the public at large, she said.GhulamMuhammedQuader, the commerce minister, will inaugurate the event as the chief guest. The fair will remain open from 10am to 8pm.There are 46 Thai manufacturers and exporters showcasing their products of 14 categories that include food and beverage, gift and decorative items, health and beauty, household and kitchenware and fashion accessories.Eldridge J Mac Ewan III, general manager of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, said a team of highly professional Thai chefs from Bangkok will fly in to prepare an array of mouth-watering authentic Thai dishes at the hotel bringing in Thai Culinary flavours.

Thai co wants to develop industrial parkThe Financial Express, Friday, March 30, 2012

Thailand’s Amata Corp PCL, a leading developer and manager of factory estates, wants to develop industrial park in Bangladesh which will help increase the flow of foreign direct investment here, said a top chamber leader recently.

“The unique feature of Amata is, they acquire land first from the government and then develop all the support like Ready-Built Factories, power, water, waste water treatment,

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broadband internet, vehicle leasing, housing, shopping, health clinic, schools, restaurants and more for setting up of industries. After then they invite foreign investors to chose one of those plots,” MA Momen, president of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) told the FE in an interview.

He said Amata has already developed two industrial parks in Thailand and one in Vietnam which are already full. They have attracted Germany and Japanese investors at their industrial parks which helped boost the flow of FDI in Thailand and Vietnam.

He said Thailand intends to relocate some of it’s labour intensive industries to Bangladesh due to the hike of labour wages in Thailand which is half here and they are considering to take semi-skilled and unskilled labour from Bangladesh.

Regarding the low rate of FDI flow to Bangladesh, the former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said the policy for foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunity is excellent in books and paper only and not in practice.

“The way India and Thailand have worked regarding FDI, is absent here. Specially, the issues which should be addressed to increase the FDI flow have not been addressed as per expectation,” he said.

Mr Momen mentioned issues like maintaining policy support and ensure return on investment, political stability, check the red-tapism and corruption, measures to save investment from natural calamities, infrastructural development, institutional capacity building and above all improvement in law and order situation, are the pre-requisites for attracting FDI.

“To attract foreign investment confidence is necessary and it is not possible if there is no consistency in policy, political stability and law and order situation. FDI will increase within next 3 to 4 years if technology transfer takes place and coal-based power generation starts,” said Mr Momen.

He is specially eager to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Thailand as he thinks Thailand as the transit route of South-East Asian economic activities.

“We now need strategic partner who will invest here which will end up in technology transfer as well as increase in bilateral trade and business,” he said, adding, “We have advantage in trade and investmen with Myanmar and that country shares border with Thailand which is a major economic partner of Myanmar. We need the opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation and investment in Myanmar.”

Mr Momen considers Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to be more effective than South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for economic cooperation because of the regional politics.

“Both Thailand and Myanmar are the members of BIMSTEC which is a more effective platform for regional cooperation than SAARC. Myanmar is more open now and efforst should be put on BIMSTEC for future economic cooperation,” he said.

Mr Momen, also managing director of Toka Ink Limited, a joint venture ink manufacturing company in the country, said the bilateral trade and investment with Thailand will rise to a significant level as various indicators show the trend.

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Medical tourism in Thailand has gone up significantly with at least 10 to 15 per cent growth. We can have cooperation in this sector as well as other tourism and hospitality sector like Thailand,” he said.

He also sees economic cooperation opportunity in agriculture, food processing, flower plantation, textiles, small and medium industries.

“A major share of imports from Thailand includes motor parts. Bangladesh can set up import substitute industries here for the light engineering products.”

Finally Mr Momen thinks the young population which constitutes 70 per cent of the Bangladeshi population is wealth of the nation and can bring good fortune for the country by getting prepared as human resources.

He also warned that political instability will never help project a good image for Bangladesh and the business community never supports any kind of indiscipline and undemocratic practices which ruins the economic progress of the country.

AcknowledgementBTCCI is grateful to the following companies and persons for their contributions made in cash / advertisements which helped to materialize in publishing this Newsletter successfully.1. Remex corporation Ltd 8. Massons Polymer Corporation2. Bengal Polymer Wares Ltd. 9. Ascot the Residence 3. Newage 10. Bluestar Services4. Khulshi Mart 11. S. S. Shipping and Chartering 5. Jingua Tours & Travels 12. Toka Ink Bangladesh Ltd.6. Desh Electronics 13. C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd.

7. Vertex Group

AcknowledgementBTCCI acknowledges with thanks the continued support and contribution made by n H.E. Miss Madurapochana Ittarong, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh and Chief Patron, BTCCI n Mr. Md. Sabur Khan, President of DCCI and Patron, BTCCI n Ms. UsaWijarurn, Minster Counselor, Royal Thai Embassy and Honorary Director, BTCCI.

BTCCI also recalls with deep gratitude the cooperation, advice and service it received from it’s former presidents namely Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan (2003-2006) and Mr. K. Habib Sattar (2007-2008).

BTCCI is finally grateful to all its general members, Patrons and well wishers for their unfettered support and cooperation extended to it from time to time and specially when needed most.

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BTCCI Activities in Pictorial

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