Message - btcci.org.bd Letter vol-1 Issue-0… · Mr. Abu Rushd Tarek Director Admin Mr. Md. Enayet Husain Director Finance Directors Mr. Zafar Osman Mr. Asif Ibrahim Mr. Salahuddin

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Message

Royal Thai Embassy Dhaka

I am pleased to know that the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) has promoted and enhanced the trade and investment cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh for over 10 years.

It is also a good plan of the BTCCI to be publishing a News Letter 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 trade volume of Thailand and Bangladesh has exceeded our target already and I am confident that BTCCI will play a more active role to help increase this volume in the near future. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the newly inducted members of BTCCI and wish them continued success both in their BTCCI membership and also in their individual businesses.

I assure BTCCI of full support in the further enhancement of bilateral trade and investment between Thailand and Bangladesh.

(Madurapochana Ittarong)Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh

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From The Editor’s DeskA warm welcome to all of you to the 10th Annual General Meeting of Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI).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. These News Letters are also distributed to different chamber bodies, concerned govt. and semi-govt. agencies as well as to Thai business community through their local embassy in Bangladesh. This is the 7th issue covering the activities of BTCCI upto 30th June, 2014. 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 this AGM.

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 Objectivesn To promote and develop trade, investment and

industry between Bangladesh and Thailand.n To collect and provide business related data,

informations, circulars, rules, regulations etc. and disseminate these amongst the members.

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

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

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

n To provide recommendations to Government in the area of trade, investment a nd industry related matters.

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

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

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

BTCCI Board ofDirectors 2013-15

Office-BearersMr. Sajjatuz Jumma PresidentMr. Charles C. R. Patra Sr. Vice PresidentMr. Mohammed Ali Vice PresidentMr. Abu Rushd Tarek Director AdminMr. Md. Enayet Husain Director Finance

DirectorsMr. Zafar OsmanMr. Asif IbrahimMr. Salahuddin AbdullahMr. Mafiz A. BhuiyanMr. Md. Ayub AliMr. Shahzada HamidMr. M. Salem SulaimanMr. Montchai MusicabudMr. Md. Munir HossainMr. Shahriar TahaMs. Wachara Chumnanwong Honorary Director

Chief Patron H.E. Madurapochana Ittarong Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh

Patron Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan President, DCCI

BTCCI Advisor Eng. Rashed Maksud Khan, PP, BTCCI Mr. M. A. Momen, PP, BTCCI Mr. K. Habib Sattar, PP, BTCCI

Secretariat Mr. Md. Nazmul HossenSecretary

BTCCI SecretariatSuite-801, Concord Tower (8th Floor)113 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1000.Phone: 880-2-9337437 Fax: 880-2-9349520E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.btcci.org.bd

The current issue of BTCCI Newsletter, seventh in line is going to roll out of the press on the 15th November, 2014 the day set to hold the 10th AGM of our bilateral Chamber at the Sinha Lounge of Dhaka Club Ltd.Thailand and Bangladesh are tested friends and currently the volume of business between our two friendly countries have gone about the US$ 900 million. Bangladesh’s economy has sustained a growth of over 6% for some previous years and its size of GDP compared to the purchasing power parity (ppp) is now over US$ 280 billion.Thailand’s economy on the other hand has grown at the rate of 8% over the last few years and in spite of a severe flood faced recently its economy has rebounded back with exports reaching around US$ 350 billion.Several important business delegations came to Bangladesh from Thailand during the year 2013-2014. BTCCI acted as a bridge to set up meetings with various important chambers including the DCCI and FBCCI. All Delegation from Thailand emphasized to further improve their trade and investment ties.It is also pleasant to note that both Thailand and Bangladesh’s economy grow on a positive note considering the worldwide recession and economic turmoil still prevelant in many third world and developing countries.The visit of our Business Delegation to Thailand in March last year following the visit of the Former Prime Minister of Thailand HE Yingluck Shinawatra to Bangladesh have been most significant in enhancing our trade volume. I am particularly happy to learn that following our B2B meetings held in Dhaka and then in Thailand have resulted in many serious enquiries on investment and new business proposals. The interest of Thai businessmen in considering Bangladesh as a business friendly destination particularly for relocating their labour intensive industries is indeed a welcome sign for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs.Our deep appreciation to the Ambassador Ms Madurapochana Ittarong for her active guidance and cooperation extended to BTCCI. BTCCI is indebted to Ms Usa Wijarurn, Former Minister counselor and head of the Thai Trade Centre, Dhaka for sharing and inviting our Board Members in most of their activities and also thanked new Minister counselor (Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy Ms. Wachara Chumnanwong for her continued support and cooperation as earlier. BTCCI is grateful to Mr. Suwapong Sirisorn, Minister Counsellor, Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Counsellor, Ms. Supattra Auearee, Second Secretary & Visa Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka for their continued support extended to us and our members at large. We also grateful to Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of the Thai-Bangla Business Council (TBBC).Finally, our thanks and gratitude to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI), Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), bilateral chambers and government bodies in Bangladesh and Thailand who have always come forward to help us in fulfilling our common objectives.I congratulate the new members of BTCCI and look forward to receiving more new ideas and constructive suggestions from all our members to make our chamber a more vibrant and active one in the future.

Sajjatuz JummaPresident, BTCCI

From The President’s Desk

New cover

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Salahuddin AbdullahDirector

M. Salem SulaimanDirector

Wachara ChumnanwongHony. Director

Mohammed AliVice President

Abu Rushd TarekDirector Administration

Asif IbrahimDirector

Shahzada HamidDirector

Shahriar TahaDirector

Charles C. R. PatraSr. Vice President

Sajjatuz JummaPresident

Zafar OsmanDirector

Md. Ayub AliDirector

Md. Munir HossainDirector

Md. Enayet HusainDirector Finance

Mafiz A. BhuiyanDirector

Montchai MusicabudDirector

Board of Directors for the term 2013-15

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BTCCI Activities

Ambassador of Thailand promises increased Business with Bangladesh

The newly elected Board of Directors of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) held a courtesy call on HE Madurapochana Ittarong, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh at the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka.

Mr Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI introduced the newly elected Board of Directors of BTCCI to the Thai Ambassador and its officials. The hon’ble Ambassador congratulated to the newly elected board of Directors and assured with all out cooperation for enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.

Mr Sajjatuz Jumma said that Bangladesh and Thailand were tested friends and the ethnic historical and cultural ties of both the countries went back to years ago.

Seen in the photo HE Miss Madurapochana Ittarong, hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, Mr. Sajjtuz Jumma, President of BTCCI Mr M A Momen, Immediate Past President of BTCCI, Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI, Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, Sr. Vice President of BTCCI and Directors of BTCCI and Thai Embassy officials were present in the BTCCI newly elected Board of Directors Courtesy Call with Thai Embassy Officials.

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Though the trade volume between our two friendly countries exceeded US$ 1.2 billion in previous year but the volume would decrease this year. So Mr Jumma wanted to get suggestion from ambassador and her officials how to increase the trade volume. In this regard both the BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy through its Thai Trade Center based in Dhaka would work jointly their best. BTCCI President also emphasized on the increasing export from Bangladesh to Thailand and he requested Thai Officials to initiate for adding new products to import from Bangladesh such as Pharmaceuticals, Jute and Jute goods, Leather, RMG etc.

Mr. M A Momen, Immediate Past President of the chamber 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.

Mr Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI also attended the meeting and 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.

The Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Miss Madurapochana Ittarong thanked BTCCI Board of Directors for such a courtesy call with her. She congratulated again BTCCI to elect such a galaxy of business luminaries for its Board of Directors. She said that the investment of some big companies in Bangladesh like Ital-Thai Development Company Limited 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 countries should try to establish strategic partnerships. She also apprised the meeting that Thailand would import from Bangladesh a few products such as Pharmaceuticals for which she would visit to the factory of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd soon. She assured of all cooperation and support from her embassy to BTCCI in this regard.

Some of the BTCCI Board of Directors also attended the courtesy call on included Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, Sr. Vice President, Mr. Abu Rushd Tarek, Director Administration, Mr. M R A Taha, Mr. Zafar Osman, Mr. Shahzada Hamid, Mr. Salem Sulaiman and Mr. Montchai Musicabud, Directors of BTCCI.

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BTCCI Business Delegation visited ThailandA 20 member Business Delegation of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) comprising of its Board of Directors and general members visited Thailand on March 11-15, 2013.

The main purpose of the visit was to hold talks with Thailand Board of Trade (BOT), Thai-Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC), Thailand convention and Exhibition Bureau and Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the ministry of Commerce, Thailand and also to attend the ongoing Bangkok International Fashion Fair (BIFF) and Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIL), 2013 being held at the Impact Convention & Exhibition Center in Bangkok (March 13-17).

Members of the BTCCI Business Delegation also attended the International Fair on Animal Feed and Poultry held at the Famous Biyork Exhibition Hall and Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF 2013) held at the Challenger Hall 2-3 near the BIFF and BIL venue in the impact ground in Bangkok.

A networking business meeting was held on March 13 followed by Dinner. Representatives of Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Readymade Garments, Printing, Agro Based groups, Poultry, Chemicals were present. Interactive discussions between BTCCI & TBBC members took place after a welcoming speech of Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of the Thai-Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC).

Mr. Somsak Srisuponvanit, Chairman of The National Federation of Thai Textile Industries, Thailand elaborated about the ongoing Fashion & Textile Fair and hoped that in the next such fair designers & Participants from Bangladesh would take part in it.

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He referred the BIFF & BIL as a platform of experience sharing and wanted to see Thailand as a regional fashion leader. He said the current fair accommodated 900 booths of 500 companies including many foreign ones. The Thai Leader further emphasized that Thailand would become a Hub of ASEAN and by 2016 an ASEAN Economic community (AEC) would come into existence engulfing 600 million people. If SAARC and other regional bodies work together with AEC then half of the world population would be involved in this part of the region with a greater economic impact.

Mr. M A Momen, President of BTCCI on behalf of the delegation thanked Mr. Mingpant Chaya for arranging such a gathering of business galaxy leaders and said BTCCI would extend its all out support and cooperation for the growing bilateral and mutual business interest between Bangladesh and Thailand. The business meeting was hosted by TBBC and Board of Trade (BOT).

The business delegation visited on March 14, 2013 to the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand where a meeting with Mr. Suwipan Thisyamondol, Deputy Director General of DITP, Thailand was held. Welcoming the BTCCI Delegation to Thailand and in his office Mr. Suwipan Thisyamondol emphasized to look for more strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the future. He said in the week during the exhibition time around 300 thousands visitors were expected and orders of 8 billion Thai Baht were presumed.

BTCCI President Mr. M A Momen agreed with the Deputy Director General of DITP views to set up strategic partnership especially in Infrastructure Development sector, IT & ICT sector, Agro based and Fisheries sector, Light Engineering and Power & Energy Sector.

Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Advisor & Founder President of BTCCI and Former President of DCCI in his short speech briefly highlighted the new growing sectors of Bangladesh such as Shipbuilding, Pharmaceuticals and Tourism has achieved great success and offered opportunities to invest by foreign countries including Thailand.

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After the meeting with DITP a follow up meeting with Ms. Supawan Teerarat, Director of Exhibition Department of Thailand was held at the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand. BTCCI President while inviting Ms. Supawan Teerarat to Bangladesh sought her assistance to allow Bangladeshi Manufacturers to exhibit their products in the BTCCI forthcoming planned “Bangladesh Roadshow” in the very near future. Fairs and exhibitions always held to see and improve each other products and increase trade and investment in a reciprocal manner. Ms. Supawan Teerarat accepted the invitation of BTCCI President to come Bangladesh soon and see how TECB would help in this regard.

The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Mr. Kazi Imtaiz Hossain hosted a dinner party in honor of the visiting BTCCI Business Delegation to Thailand at the “Indus Restaurant”, Bangkok, Thailand in the evening of March 14, 2013. A total of 16 members attended the dinner. Welcoming the members on behalf of himself and Bangladesh Embassy Mr. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain wanted to know about obstacles and difficulties that BTCCI faced for creating trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand and how to assist in removing such bottlenecks. Members of BTCCI expressed their views and expectations to improve our bilateral relation and thanked HE Ambassador for his thoughts and inviting BTCCI for a nice dinner.

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New Ambassador of Bangladesh urges to increase exported items to ThailandBangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) held a Luncheon Meeting in honor of Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand at the Banquet Hall, Ascott The Residence, Baridhara, Dhaka on Saturday, November 01, 2014 at 12.30pm.

Mr Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI welcomed the new Ambassador and introduced her to its members. In his address of welcome Mr Jumma 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 fallen down and in this regard both the BTCCI and the Bangladesh Embassy to Thailand will do their best to raise the trade volume in favor of Bangladesh.

President Jumma 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.

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Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. She stressed that potentials in our Tourism, Fisheries, Agro Processing, Pharmaceuticals, Frozen Foods, Jute and Jute goods, Light Engineering and various infrastructure facilities could also be explored. She also emphesized on the fisheries sector of Bangladesh which could be highest foreign currency earning sector. She said that Bangladesh as a member of BIMSTEC could be considered by Thailand as a hub to integrate with other ASEAN countries. The new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand thanked BTCCI for such a warm welcome extended to her and for introducing her to such a galaxy 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 Elevated Express way and an agro-industrial and Food conglomerate CP Bangladesh Co. Ltd were the 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 all out support and cooperation from her embassy to BTCCI in this regard.

Ms. Wachara Chumnanwong, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) was also present in the meeting. In her short speech Ms. Wachara told the two embassy should work together with each other to enhance bilateral trade and investment and for which the Thai Trade Center of Dhaka would continue its all out support and cooperation.

The meeting was opened for the members present to discuss on the trade and investment issues between our two friendly countries. Some of the members participated the discussions and presented various problems and recommendations for the more enhancements of the bilateral business relationships.

Mr Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI also attended the meeting and emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. He stressed the potential sectors in our Highways, Power and Energy, Agro processing and such labor intensive sectors.

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Mr. K Habib Sattar, Past President of the chamber said that the relationship between two countries should be more proactive as we got a dynamic ambassador to Thailand who would bring more Thai Investment to our country. He also emphasized the more relationship development with BTCCI and the Bangladesh Embassy to Thailand as the interactive organizations for the business development in our country.

Among others member Mr. Montchai Musicubud, hon’ble member of BTCCI and Managing Director of the First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Co. Ltd mentioned some important points to enhance the investment in Bangladesh. He stressed the Land, Gas, skilled labor, easy govt. investment procedures etc.

Most of the Speakers emphasized on the more development of diplomatic and business bilateral relations between two countries by joining the dynamic leadership of the new ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem.

The others members of BTCCI including Mr. Zafar Osman, BTCCI Director and DCCI Former President, Mr. Md. Ayub Ali, Mr. Shahzada Hamid, Mr. Shahriar Taha, Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Mr. M. Salem Sulaiman Directors of BTCCI were present. Mr. Quazi Ferdous, Project Director of Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka were also present.

Regarding BTCCI MembershipEligibility 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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Chronology of someBTCCI Activities upto June’14

July 15, 2013: President of BTCCI attended the Seminar on “Industrial Growth in

Bangladesh” held at the DCCI Auditorium. Mr. Dilip Barua, Minister for Industry of

Bangladesh was present as the chief guest.

August 30, 2013: BTCCI President attended the Meeting with Thai Ambassador to discuss

on the upcoming BTCCI AGM 2012 to be held on September 7, 2013. Some of the board

members were also present in the meeting.

September 02, 2013: President of BTCCI attended a 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.

September 07, 2013: 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of BTCCI was held at Dhaka

Club Ltd, Dhaka. Miss Madurapochana Ittarong, hon’ble ambassador of Thailand to

Bangladesh was present on the occasion. Newly elected Board of Directors of BTCCI took

charges for the term 2013-15.

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September 07, 2013: Certificates Distributions Ceremony of BTCCI’s newly inducted members was held at Dhaka Club Ltd. Miss Madurapochana Ittarong, hon’ble ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh was present as the chief guest.

September 10, 2013: BTCCI New President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended MCCI business meeting was held at the MCCI Auditorium. Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Finance Minister of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest.

September 14, 2013: BTCCI Board Meeting was held at the Gulshan Club Ltd at 1 pm followed by Lunch.

September 17, 2013: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, president of the chamber attended the Luncheon Ceremony of Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) at Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.

October 5, 2013: BTCCI Board of Directors called on Miss Madurapochana Ittarong, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh and the high Officials of the Thai Embassy, Dhaka led by President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma. Some of the directors, Founder President Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Immediate Past President Mr. M A Momen were also present in the meeting.

November 17, 2013: BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a 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 22, 2013: BTCCI President attended a seminar on “Recent Development in Myanmar, New opportunities for Regional Co-operation” held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel. Mr. Tofail Ahmed, hon’ble Industry Minister was present as the chief guest.

January 1, 2014: President Sajjatuz Jumma attended Council of chamber presidents meeting held at FBCCI Auditorium. Mr. Tofail Ahmed , Minister for Commerce was present as the chief guest.

January 10, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, 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. Tofail Ahmed and FBCCI President Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed were special guests. Thailand was the event partner of the DITF.

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January 18, 2014: BTCCI Board Meeting was held at the “Conference Room” of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

January 23, 2014: President Jumma attended a Luncheon meeting with the IFC and WB at 12 PM at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

February 5, 2014: BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended Eid-E-Miladunnabi Milad Mahfil at Bangabhaban hosted by the hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

February 5, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the Inaugural Ceremony of the SAWADEE, an authentic Thai Restaurant. Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh was present as the chief guest. Chairman of Grand Oriental Hotel & Former President of DCCI M H Rahman chaired the inaugural program. Some of the directors and past presidents of BTCCI were present there.

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February 9, 2014: President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a breakfast meeting organised by the Bangladesh-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry at Energy Centre to explore the possibilities of establishing a joint platform of the foreign chambers to present the common interest/objectives to relevant parties, govt, regulatory agencies.

February 10, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the DITF closing ceremony held at the Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed and FBCCI President Mr. Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed were chief and special guest.

February 26, 2014: President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a meeting of Nordic Business Mixer at the Nordic Club organized by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI).

March 25, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended at the Business Dinner Meeting of DBCCI at the Lamda Hall, Gulshan Club Ltd. Mr. Amir Hossain Amu, hon’ble Industry Minister attended the meeting as the chief guest.

March 29, 2014: BTCCI Board Meeting was held at the “Conference Room” of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma also attended the JBCCI Annual Dinner Meeting held at Vita Hall, Lakshore Hotel, Dhaka. HE Shiro Sad’o Shima, hon’ble ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh was present as the chief guest in the occasion.

March 30, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a joint meeting of Business Community with 3 hon’ble Ministers Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Finance Minister, Mr. Tofail Ahmed, Commerce Minister and Mr. Amir Hossain Amu, Industry Minister of Bangladesh organized by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Inudustry (MCCI) at MCCI Auditorium.

March 31, 2014: BTCCI President attended the seminar “Recent Development in Myanmar, New opportunities for Regional Co-operation” held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel. Mr. Tofail Ahmed, hon’ble Commerce Minister was present as the chief guest.

April 10, 2014: President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a Cocktail Meeting in honor of all patron of Shonargaon Hotel organized by Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.

April 13, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a reception in honor of HE Vicente vivencio T Bandillo, the hon’ble Ambassador of Philippine to Bangladesh at the Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka organized by the Philippine-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PBCCI). BTCCI Founder President and PBCCI President Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan presided over the meeting.

April 17, 2014: BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended the VAT Law Discussion in FBCCI Coference Room organized by FBCCI. Mr. Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed, President of FBCCI presided over the meeting.

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April 29, 2014: President Sajjatuz Jumma attended the Milad Mahful and Doa on the death of FBCCI Directors Late Md. Shakhawat Hossen Hiron, MP and Former VP Late Khandakar Rashiduzzaman Dudu and Former Director Late Md. Rahim Ullah at the FBCCI Auditorium.

April 30, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the discussion meeting on Formalin Control Act 2013 at the FBCCI Auditorium organized by FBCCI. Mr. Anisul Haque, Minister for Law & Justice was present as the chief guest.

May 16, 2014: BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a dialogue Programme on Budget-2014-2015: Our Expectations at the Chamber Building, MCCI organized by MCCI & Masranga TV.

May 18, 2014: A working lunch with the Thai Delegation was held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan and Mr. Md. Munir Hossain attended the meeting on behalf of BTCCI.

May 19, 2014: A seminar on “Trade and Investment opportunities in Bangladesh” at the Peninsula Hotel, Chaittagong. Mr. Mohammed Ali, Vice President of BTCCI was present as the keynote speaker of the seminar.

May 21, 2014: BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a discussion meeting with the newly appointed director of Thai Trade Center Dhaka Ms. Wachara Chumnunwong and high officials of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka at the Westin Dhaka Hotel. Mr. Suwapong Srisorn, Minister Counsellor of the Thai Embassy, Mr. Pashit Chudabuddhi, Counsellor of the Thai Embassy, Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI and Former President DCCI, Mr. Zafar Osman, Director of BTCCI and Former President of DCCI were also present in the meeting.

May 30, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a dinner meeting in honor of newly appointed director Ms. Wachara Chumnanwong, Minister Counselor (Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka.

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May 30, 2014: BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a “Roundtable Discussion on PPP in Bangladesh” is being jointly organized by the PPP office under Prime Minster’s office, DCCI & BUILD at DCCI. Mr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Senior Secretary, PMO. Mr. Asif Ibrahim, Chairman, BUILD was special guest and Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, President, DCCI chaired the meeting.

June 9, 2014: BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a seminar on “World Accreditation Day” organized by BAB & DCCI at DCCI Auditorium. Mr. Amir Hossain Amu were present as the Chief Guest. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister of Power & Energy, Mr. Md. Mainuddin Abdullah, Industry Secretary were also present in the meeting.

June 12, 2014: Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a Cocktail Reception on the occasion of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence organized by Philippine Embassy at Lakshore Hotel. Mr. Vicinte VivencioT Bandillo, Ambassador of Philippine was Chief Guest in the program.

June 15, 2014: President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a discussion on Budget 2014-2015: Views of the Business Community organized by MCCI. Mr. M A Mannan, hon’ble State Minister for Finance & Planning was present as the chief guest. Dr. A B M Mirza Azizul Islam, Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government was also present at the meeting.

June 18, 2014: BTCCI Board Meeting was held at the “Conference Room” of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

June 22, 2014: BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended the DCCI Entrepreneurship & Innovation Expo organized by DCCI Cooperation with the Bangladesh Bank at BICC. Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP was present as the Chief Guest and Barrister Sheikh Fasle Noor Taposh was present as the special guest in the program.

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Other ActivitiesCongratulatory Letters were sent on behalf of BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma and all the members of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) to the following:

n Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) for being elected DCCI President for the term of 2014

n Mr. Siddiqur Rahman Mia, President, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) for being elected President of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

n Mr. Kei Kawano, President, Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) for being elected JBCCI President.

n Mr. Shamim Ul Huq, President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh (NCCI) for being elected NCCI President

n Mr. Tarek Ahmed ELBA, President, France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIFB) for being elected CCIFB President

n Mr Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, Vice Chairman, Bengal Plastic Industries Ltd on being recognized as a prestigious award of “National Export Award” for the leadership in promoting Bangladesh

n Mr. Salman F Rahman, President, Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) for being elected BAPI President.

n Mr. Abdul Wahed, Chairman, DBL Group on being recognized as a prestigious award of “HSBC Export Excellence Award” for the leadership in promoting Bangladesh

n Mr. Nasir A Chowdhury, President, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) for being elected BMCCI Presient.

n Mrs. Salima Ahmad, President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI)for being elected President of BWCCI for the term 2014-15,

n Dr. Abdul Majid, President, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE)for being the president of CSE

Condolence letter was sent on behalf of BTCCI by President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma to the following:

n Mr. Shahriar Taha, Managing Director, Remex Corporation upon the sad demise of his father late Mr. M R A Taha, Director of BTCCI.

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We deeply mournat the sad demise of our Director

Visionary, Philanthropist, legend and an iconic business leader His departure is an irrecoverable loss to the country.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. We convey our deep condolencesto the bereaved family members.

btcci

Late M R A Taha1935-2014

U

NFORGETTABLEN L

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BTCCI in News Papers

BTCCI seeks Thai envoy’s coop to remove trade barriersFinancial Express, Sunday, 13 October 2013

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) placed a number of proposals to the Thai ambassador to Dhaka including removal of para-tariff barriers to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and reduce the present trade gap between the two countries.

The proposals were made during a recent courtesy call of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Chamber with Ambassador Madurapochana Ittarong at the Royal Thai Embassy in the capital.

BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma introduced the newly elected Board of Directors of BTCCI to the Thai Ambassador and its officials. Immediate past President of the chamber M A Momen accompanied the delegation among others.

Mr Jumma said Bangladesh and Thailand were tested friends and the ethnic historical and cultural ties of both the countries went back years ago.

The chamber leaders warned despite the trade volume between the two friendly countries exceeded US$ 1.2 billion in 2011, it may decrease this year.

Both BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy through the Dhaka-based Thai Trade Center would work jointly to reduce the present trade gap which is in favour of Thailand.

BTCCI President also emphasised on increasing export from Bangladesh to Thailand and requested Thai Officials to initiate for adding new products to import from Bangladesh such as Pharmaceuticals, Jute and Jute goods, Leather, RMG etc.

The chamber leaders observed that Thailand gives Bangladesh duty-free access of such products in which Bangladesh still could not develop its capacity. The new executive body requested the Thai envoy to remove tariff barriers from RMG, plastic, light engineering and food products where there is competition between the two countries.

Thai Ambassador congratulated the newly elected board of directors and assured with all out cooperation for enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. She sought cooperation to increase import of yarn from Thailand for the flourishing RMG sector of Bangladesh.

The Thai Ambassador said that the investment of some big companies in Bangladesh like Ital-Thai Development Company Limited was a proof of Thailand’s interest to consider Bangladesh as an investment destination. She emphasized that apart from trading only, now countries should try to establish strategic partnerships.

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She informed the chamber leaders that Thailand would import a few products such as Pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh, for which she would visit the factory of Square Pharmaceuticals soon. She also suggested the trade body leaders to explore the Thai market and assess the demand of Bangladeshi products among Thai people.

MA Momen said 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 for the marketing of those products globally.

He said Bangladesh provides low cost production base and competitive labor market for Thai Businesses and therefore Bangladesh could be their investment destination. He suggested the Thai envoy to relocate some of the labour intensive industries which are already saturated to Bangladesh at the special economic zones which will be set up in Bangladesh very soon.

Thailand could also play an important role by investing in Bangladesh’s infrastructure like Roads and Highways, Power and Energy, Agro processing and other labor intensive sectors.

Founder President of BTCCI Rashed Maksud Khan also attended the meeting and emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. He stressed that potentials in Tourism, Agro Processing, Jute and Jute goods, Light Engineering and various infrastructure facilities could also be explored.

Senior Vice President Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, Director Administration Abu Rushd Tarek, Directors MRA Taha, Zafar Osman, Shahzada Hamid, Salem Sulaiman and Montchai Musicabud also joined the courtesy call meeting.

Ways of cutting BD-Thai trade gap stressedFinancial Express, Wednesday, 29 Oct, 2014

Leading businessmen of Bangladesh and Thailand have called for exploring new avenues of trade and business opportunities to reduce the existing trade gap and enhance business relationship between the two countries.

They observed that the countries, having a close distance, can scale up cooperation by exporting products of various sectors, like - jute and pharmaceutical etc, to Thailand, and inviting investment of value chain and technology to Bangladesh.

Thailand can also assist Bangladesh in human resource development, they added.

These observations came during a view-exchange meeting with Bangladesh ambassador designated to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) conference room on Tuesday.

Moderated by Bangladesh-Thailand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) president Sajjaduz Jumma, the meeting was addressed by DCCI president Mohammad Shahjahan Khan and other officials of DCCI and BTCCI.

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14-Shamoly, PC Culture Bhaban (2nd Floor)Mohammadpur, Dhaka, BangladeshTel: 88-02-9137352, Fax: 88-02-9116898E-mail: [email protected]

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Officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thai Embassy in Bangladesh were also present at the meeting.

The meeting disclosed that Bangladesh-Thailand trade gap is wide, with Bangladesh exporting items worth US$40 million to Thailand and importing $394 million up to December of fiscal year 2013-14.

The ambassador lauded the role of private sector in leading the country’s economic growth. She said her mission will tap the untapped potentials to enhance economic relationship between the two countries.

She particularly mentioned resuming the joint commission meeting, which remained halted over a decade, involving private sector, and holding foreign office consultation as part of exploring the potentials.

The envoy also observed that institutional linkage and connectivity already exist between the two countries. These could be enhanced apart from exploring scopes of developing relationship with Thailand through tourism and defence cooperation.

Among the DCCI and BTCCI members, Shahidul Islam, MS Siddique, Captain Mohammad Nurul Haq and Nadia binte Amin shared their business experiences.

Ital-Thai Development Corporation managing director Montchai Musicabud also spoke on behalf of the Thai businessmen.

They observed that Bangladesh’s potential to move value chains from Thailand has been high. They also recommended exploring fish export opportunity to Thailand through legal basis, as many Thai fishermen are intruding the Bangladesh territory.

The DCCI members also emphasised obtaining help from Thailand for human resource development and technology upgradation.

Thailand wants to establish more strategic partnership with B’deshEfforts on to strengthen bilateral business

Financial Express, Friday, 22 March 2013

Thailand has shown interest to establish more strategic partnership with Bangladesh to strengthen growing bilateral business and economic cooperation between the two countries, said a release Thursday.

Thailand also expressed its hope to make the country hub of the ASEAN and to form Asian Economic Community (AEC) by 2016.

These were revealed during meetings with a 20-member Bangladeshi delegation that visited Thailand from March 11 to March 15. Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) president MA Momen led the team.

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The main purpose of the visit was to hold talks with Thailand Board of Trade (BOT), Thai-Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the ministry of commerce, Thailand.

The business delegation visited DITP and held a meeting with Suwipan Thisyamondol, Deputy Director General of the wing.

Mr Suwipan emphasized on more strategic partnership and investment opportunities in the future.

Referring to the ongoing Bangkok fairs, he said in the weeklong exhibition around 300,000 visitors were expected and orders of 8.0 billion Thai Baht were presumed.

Mr Momen agreed with Mr Suwipan’s views to have strategic partnership, especially in sectors like Infrastructure Development, IT & ICT, Agro Based Industries, Fisheries, Light Engineering and Power & Energy.

During the five-day visit a networking business meeting was held where representatives of Bangladeshi Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Readymade Garments, Printing, Agro Based Business, Poultry and Chemicals were present. Interactive discussions between BTCCI & Thai-Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC) members took place with Mingpant Chaya, President of TBBC in the chair.

During the networking meeting, Mr Somsak Srisuponvanit, Chairman of The National Federation of Thai Textile Industries, Thailand gave a discription about the ongoing Fashion & Textile Fair and expressed the hope that Bangladeshi designers and participants would take part in the upcoming events like this.

He said the current fair accommodated 900 booths of 500 companies including many foreign ones. He emphasized that Thailand would become the hub of ASEAN, adding: an Asian Economic Community (AEC) would come into existence engulfing 600 million people by 2016.

Mr Momen thanked Mr Mingpant Chaya for arranging such a gathering of business leaders and said BTCCI would extend all- out support and cooperation for the growing bilateral and mutual business interest between Bangladesh and Thailand.

A follow-up meeting with Ms Supawan Teerarat, Director of Exhibition Department of Thailand was held at the Thai Commerce Ministry.

BTCCI President invited Ms Supawan Teerarat to Bangladesh and sought her assistance to hold forthcoming ‘Bangladesh Roadshow’ in the near future to allow Bangladeshi manufacturers to exhibit their products.

He said fairs and exhibitions are always held to see and improve each other’s products and increase trade and investment in a reciprocal manner.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Kazi Imtaiz Hossain hosted a dinner party in honour of the visiting BTCCI delegation. Mr Imtiaz wanted to know about obstacles BTCCI faced in creating trade and investment relation between Bangladesh and Thailand and the ways and means to remove such bottlenecks.

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Some of the visiting members of the delegation also took part in the ongoing Bangkok International Fashion Fair (BIFF), Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIL), 2013 held at Impact Convention & Exhibition Center, Bangkok, International Fair on Animal Feed and Poultry at famous Biyork Exhibition Hall and Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF 2013) held at Challenger Hall 2-3.

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. Fareast Islami LIfe Insurance Co. Ltd. 8. Toka Ink Bangladesh Ltd.

2. Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd. 9. S. S. Shipping and Chartering Ltd.

3. Remex corporation Ltd. 10. Ascott the Residence

4. Newage Group 11. Massons Polymer Corporation

5. LW Hair & Skin Beauty Spa Salon 12. Vertex Group

6. Adroit Technique 13. Desh Electronics

7. C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd.

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. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, President of DCCI and Patron, BTCCI n Ms. Wachara Chumnanwong, Minster Counsellor (Commercial), 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), Mr. K. Habib Sattar (2007-2008) and Mr. M A Momen (2009-13).

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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