Vol-1, Issue - 8 News Letter and BTCCI arranged a meeting with them and in honor of them BTCCI ... n To issue document certification including refe-rence letter, trade related documents

Vol-1, Issue - 8

btcci

Being strategic partners in the region, Bangladeshand Thailand cooperate with each otherboth bilaterally and multilaterally

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & IndustryNews Letter

Bangladeshplans to boostconnectivitywith Thailandto link ASEAN’scountries

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BTCCI News Letter, the eighth in line is seeing its daylight on the eve of our holding of the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Grand Ball Room of the Ascott Palace Ltd, Dhaka.In this important gathering a new Committee of the chamber shall be taking over the responsibility for the term 2015-16 & 2016-17. As the President of our bilateral Chamber it is my duty to formally thank all our old and newly inducted members for the great support and cooperation they have extended to me and my board members in running the BTCCI successfully.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 prevalent in many third world and developing countries.The volume of trade between our two friendly countries is now almost US$ 800 million mark and promises to grow further. Several important business delegations came to Bangladesh from Thailand during the year 2014 & 2015. One of them was led by Deputy Secretary General of BOI, Thailand Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang comprising of 25 members from the 8 important sectors- Textile, Agricultural Machinery, Pharmaceutical, Food, Cosmetic and Chemical Process Machinery, Machinery parts, Metal, Insulation/ Plastic/ Foam, Cold Storage, Plastic pellets/Shrink Label Film. A successful Meeting with Delegation from Thai Film Industries (TFI) led by Managing Director of TFI on December 24, 2014 at the Westin Hotel, Dhaka by which TFI created a joint venture with the Meghna Group of Bangladesh. During the year a study group also visited to Bangladesh and BTCCI arranged a meeting with them and in honor of them BTCCI Vice President presented a paper in the Peninsula Hotel, Chittagong on the “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh”. BTCCI acted as a bridge to set up meetings for the delegations with various important chambers including the DCCI, MCCI, CCCI & FBCCI.BTCCI is grateful to the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem for her sincere efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand. BTCCI arranged a Luncheon Meeting in honor of the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand on November 01, 2014 at the Hotel Ascott the Residence. Our deep appreciation to the immediate past Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms Madurapochana Ittarong for her active guidance and cooperation extended to BTCCI during her very eventful tenure in Bangladesh. In honor of the Past Thai Ambassador BTCCI also organized a Farewell Party followed by lunch in the Ascott Palace Dhaka. I am confident that the new leadership of BTCCI will further enhance our bilateral trade and investment by taking more new and innovative programs in the coming days. I am sure more reciprocal exchanges and visits through collaboration of our counterpart Thai Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC) will yield greater benefits for our businessmen of both sides.BTCCI is grateful to Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Charge d’ Affairs, Ms. Oranus Watthayanon, Counsellor Ms. Supattra Auearee, First Secretary and Visa Consular of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka for their continued support extended to us and our members at large. We are indebted to our Honorary Director and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Ms. Wachara Chamnanwong for her active participation and cooperation extended to the BTCCI.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.

Sajjatuz JummaPresident, BTCCI

From The President’s DeskVol-1, Issue - 8

btcci

Being strategic partners in the region, Bangladeshand Thailand cooperate with each otherboth bilaterally and multilaterally

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

,

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & IndustryNews Letter

Bangladeshplans to boostconnectivitywith Thailandto link ASEAN’scountries

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 Chamnanwong Honorary Director

Chief Patron Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi Charge d’ Affaires of the Thai Embassy, Dhaka

Patron Mr. Hossain Khaled 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

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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.

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 8th issue covering the activities of BTCCI upto 30th June, 2015. 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

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Salahuddin AbdullahDirector

M. Salem SulaimanDirector

Wachara Chamnanwong Hony. 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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TRADE POSITION BETWEEN BANGLADESH & THAILAND(Figures in Million U.S. $)

YEAR EXPORT IMPORT TRADE-BALANCE2003-04 22.79 243.19 (-) 220.402004-05 35.65 325.96 (-) 290.312005-06 53.63 318.63 (-) 265.002006-07 21.85 414.49 (-) 392.642007-08 15.63 499.86 (-) 484.232008-09 39.31 498.48 (-) 459.172009-10 20.52 632.41 (-) 611.892010-11 33.01 1028.31 (-) 995.302011-12 51.43 880.79 (-) 829.362012-13 94.39 689.80 (-) 595.412013-14 39.62 741.00 (-) 701.382014-15 32.76 680.50 (-) 647.74

Major items Exported to Thailandfrom Bangladesh (2014-2015)

Major items Imported into Bangladeshfrom Thailand (2013-2014)

1 Knitwear 7.11 Plastics & rubber articles thereof 161.592 Engineering Products 6.83 Textiles & textile articles 143.703 Agricultural Products 6.07 Mineral products 119.534 Woven Garments 4.84 Products of the chemical or allied industries 85.12

5 Frozen Food 1.50 Machinery & mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; 55.54

6 Home Textile 1.30 Prepared foodstuffs 42.757 Jute goods 1.03 Base metals & articles of base metal 38.678 Chemical Products 0.95 Vegetable products 31.73

9 Vehicles, aircraft, vessels & transport equipment 27.83

10 Pulp of wood products 22.2611 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos etc. 4.4812 Miscellaneous manufactured articles 2.7313 Raw hides & skins, leather, furskins & articles 2.2014 Live animals; animal products 1.14

15 Other products: Cotton, Leather goods, Specialized Textile, Footwear, Plastics and Plastic Articles, Manmade staple fibres, Optical, photo, technical, medical, etc apparatus, Headgear, Handicrafts, etc.

1.08 Other products: Optical, photographic, clocks, musical instruments etc., Footwear, headgear, Wood & articles of wood; Works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques, Natural or cultured pearls, precious stones,imitation jewlry,coin etc., Animal or vegetable fats and oils etc.

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Source: Export Promotion Bureau and Bangladesh Bank /Compiled by: FBCCI, Dated 29/11/2015

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BTCCI Activities

Thailand wants a special Economic Zone in BangladeshBangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) placed a number of proposals to the Industry Minister of Bangladesh including the seeking govt. cooperation of relocating labor intensive industry in Bangladesh from Thailand, removal of tariff barriers to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and a special economic zone for Thailand.

BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma handed over a crest to Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu in a BTCCI Board of Directors courtesy call on Industries Minister. DCCI President Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, BTCCI Founder President & DCCI Former President Eng. Rashed Maksud Khan, BTCCI Director & DCCI Former President Zafar Osman, BTCCI Director & DCCI Former President Asif Ibrahim were also present in the call on.The proposals were made during a recent courtesy call on the Board of Directors of the Chamber with Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu at the Shilpa Bhaban, Dhaka recently.BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma introduced the Board of Directors of BTCCI to the Minister. DCCI President Mohammad Shahjahan Khan 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. BTCCI has been working an important role from its inception of 2003.The chamber leaders warned the Minister despite the trade volume between the two friendly countries exceeded US$ 1.2 billion in 2011, it may decrease this year due to various sorts of reasons.

BTCCI President also emphasized on establishing more joint venture industries between Bangladesh and Thailand and requested the Minister to help and initiate for creating this. He also mentioned that apart from existing sectors- Jute and Jute goods, Leather,

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Agro, Light Engineering etc we could add another some sectors-Pharmaceuticals, RMG, Tourism, Frozen Foods, Fisheries, Infrastructure, Education & Training to attract the Thai Businessmen. He informed the Minister that Thailand would import a few products such as Pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh for which the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh would visit some Pharmaceuticals factory soon. BTCCI President also proposed the Industries Ministry to be part of the “Destination Thailand 2015”organized by the BTCCI in February 2015 in Thailand. Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu accepted the proposal and assured them to join there if his counterpart would take initiative and necessary arrangement to visit him.The Minister thanked the business galaxy for their contribution to the development of the country and assured with all out cooperation for enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. He 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. 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. Industries Minster also emphasized that apart from trading only, now countries should try to establish strategic partnerships. DCCI President and BTCCI Patron Mohammad Shahjahan Khan 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.

BTCCI honorary director and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy Dhaka Wachara Chumnanwong was present in the meeting and said the economies of Bangladesh and Thailand were complementary but there were some products- agro, fisheries, machineries, Leather, Jute & Jute goods which could be manufactured at each others point to overcome competition and for the marketing of those products globally. The managing director of the First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Co. Ltd. Montchai

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Musicabud also attended the call on and said Bangladesh provides low cost production base and competitive labor market for Thai Businesses and therefore Bangladesh could be their investment destination. He showed the interest to relocate some of the labour intensive industries which are already saturated to Bangladesh for which he proposed for a special economic zone for Thai Companies. He thanked the Bangladesh govt. to remove all the barriers to start their mega project of the First Dhaka Elevated Expressway by which they would launch their work in January 2015.BTCCI Founder President & DCCI Former President Rashed Maksud Khan, Director Administration Abu Rushd Tarek, BTCCI Director & DCCI former President Zafar Osman, BTCCI Director & DCCI former President Asif Ibrahim, Director Shahzada Hamid and Director Md. Munir Hossain also joined the courtesy call meeting.

BTCCI urges more Thai Investment in BangladeshBangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) urged more Thai investment by enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. BTCCI called this in a Farewell Program to the departing Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Madurapocahana Ittarong at a local hotel on October 03, 2015 in Dhaka. BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma said that Bangladesh and Thailand were tested friends and the ethnic historical and cultural ties of both the countries went back years ago. BTCCI has been working an important role from its inception of 2003.Sajjauz Jumma stressed to reduce the trade gap between two countries by increasing Bangladeshi products range, diversifying them and try to find strategic partners at this point of time. Though the quality of Thai products is satisfactory but the price of this is costlier

than the competitors and high duty of our exporting products are main constraints for the trading, he also added. President Jumma also urged to the Businessmen to import more products like Pharmaceuticals, Jute and Jute goods, Leather, RMG, Fisheries etc from Bangladesh.

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He emphasized on more investment in Infrastructure development of the country and creating joint venture between Bangladesh and Thai company which sectors are strong position from your side.

Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand to Bangladesh Madurapochana Ittarong appreciated BTCCI to promote and develop trade, investment and industry between Bangladesh and Thailand and expressed her continued efforts indeed to work for increasing investment in collaboration with Thai BOI and Bangladesh BOI and also with BTCCI. She also thanked to BTCCI for arranging such excellent gathering with some Bangladeshi Business Galaxy. She also told that Thailand has been maintaining good relations with Bangladesh over the years, adding that more collaboration between the private companies of the two countries would obviously boost bilateral trade. By the implementing project of First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Co. Ltd she thought that many of the Thai Company now interested to invest in the Infrastructure Development in Bangladesh. In the vote of thanks BTCCI Founder President Eng. Rashed Maksud Khan thanked Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand to Bangladesh, High Officials of the Thai Embassy Dhaka, Distinguished BTCCI members & Business Leaders present. He also mentioned that apart from existing sectors- Jute and Jute goods, Leather, Agro, Light Engineering etc we could add another some sectors-Pharmaceuticals, RMG, Tourism, Frozen Foods, Fisheries, Infrastructure, Education & Training to attract the Thai Businessmen.BTCCI Hony. Director and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy Wachara Chamnanwong, DCCI Former President & Chairman of Uttara Group Matiur Rahman, DCCI Former President and BTCCI member Sayeeful Islam, BTCCI Director Mafiz A Bhuiyan, BTCCI Director & BGMEA Director Md. Munir Hossain and DCL Former President Tanveer Muzhar Islam were present among other members of BTCCI in the program.

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BTCCI urges Thai Businessmen to enhance bilateral business relation with BangladeshBangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) urged the Thai entrepreneurs to enhance bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand by investing more in Bangladesh. BTCCI called this in a business meeting at a local club in Dhaka on February 01, 2015 with the 20 members Thai Business delegation from BOI, Thailand and 8 important sectors- Textile, Agricultural Machinery, Pharmaceutical, Food, Cosmetic and Chemical Process Machinery, Machinery parts, Metal, Insulation/ Plastic/ Foam, Cold Storage, Plastic pellets/Shrink Label Film. BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma said that Bangladesh and Thailand were tested friends and the ethnic historical and cultural ties of both the countries went back years ago. BTCCI has been working an important role from its inception of 2003.Sajjauz Jumma stressed to reduce the trade gap between two countries by increasing Bangladeshi products range, diversifying them and try to find strategic partners at this point of time. Though the quality of Thai products is satisfactory but the price of this is costlier than the competitors and high duty of our exporting products are main constraints for the trading, he also added. President Jumma also urged to the Businessmen to import more products like Pharmaceuticals, Jute and Jute goods, Leather, RMG, Fisheries etc from Bangladesh He emphasized on more investment in Infrastructure development of the country and creating joint venture between Bangladesh and Thai company which sectors are strong position from your side.Thai BOI Deputy Secretary General and leader of the Thai Delegation Chokedee Kaewsang appreciated BTCCI to promote and develop trade, investment and industry between Bangladesh and Thailand Bangladesh and expressed his willingness to work for increasing investment in collaboration with Thai BOI and Bangladesh BOI. He also thanked to BTCCI for arranging the business meeting by which business matchmaking was held between the visiting Thai businessmen and Bangladeshi Businessmen.

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He also told that Thailand has been maintaining good relations with Bangladesh over the years, adding that more collaboration between the private companies of the two countries would obviously boost bilateral trade.

In the vote of thanks BTCCI Vice President Mohammed Ali thanked the Thai Delegation members and BTCCI members for the gathering to be effective business meeting and matchmaking and also mentioned that apart from existing sectors- Jute and Jute goods, Leather, Agro, Light Engineering etc we could add another some sectors-Pharmaceuticals, RMG, Tourism, Frozen Foods, Fisheries, Infrastructure, Education & Training to attract the Thai Businessmen.

The representatives of different 8 business sectors took part in the discussion and exchanged views with their counterparts in Bangladesh.

BTCCI Sr. Vice President Charles C R Patra, BTCCI hony. Director and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy Wachara Chumnanwong, BTCCI Founder President Eng. Rashe Maksud Khan, BTCCI Immediate Past President M A Momen, DCCI Former President and BTCCI Director Zafar Osman, DCCI Former President and BTCCI Director Asif Ibrahim, chairman and managing director of Uttara Motors Motiur Rahman and some other renowned businessmen and entrepreneurs also exchanged views with Thai entrepreneurs.

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.

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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. 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 emphasized 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 likeItal-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.

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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.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.

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Chronology of some BTCCI Activities upto June’15n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended a joint Meeting of Business Community

with 3 hon’ble Minister- Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed and Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu organized by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) on June 02, 2014 at the MCCI Auditorium, Dhaka.

n President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a Cocktail Meeting in honor of all patron of Shonargaon Hotel organized by the Shonargaon Hotel Authority on June 05, 2014 at the Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended a working Lunch with the Thai Delegation at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on June 07, 2014. Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan, BTCCI Founder President and Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Director of BTCCI were present in the meeting.

n BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a Seminar on ‘Trade & Investment opportunities in Bangladesh’ on June 08, 2014 at the Peninsula Hotel, Chittagong to the Thai Business Delegation to Bangladesh. Mr. Mohammed Ali, Vice President of BTCCI was present as the keynote speaker of the seminar.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended a dinner meeting in honor of newly appointed director of Thai Trade Center Ms. Wachara Chamnanwong, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka on June 09, 2014 organized by Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka. BTCCI Sr. Vice President Mr. Charles C R Patra also attended the dinner meeting.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a roundtable discussion on “PPP in Bangladesh” is being jointly organized by the PPP office under Prime Minister office,

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DCCI & BUILD June 10, 2014 at the DCCI Auditorium. Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Senior Secretary, PMO was present as the chief guest, Mr. Asif Ibrahim, Chairman of BUILD was present as the special guest and Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, President of DCCI chaired over the meeting.

n President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a seminar on world accreditation day organized by BAB & DCCI at DCCI Auditorium on June 11, 2014. Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu was present as the chief guest, Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister of Power & Energy, Mr. Mohammad Mainuddin Abdullah, Industry secretary were present as the Special Guests in the seminar where Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, DCCI President presided over the meeting.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a cocktail reception on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence organized by the Philippine Embassy on June 12, 2014 at the Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka. Mr. Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo was present in the program.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended a Discussion on Budget 2014-2015: Views of the Business Community on June 15, 2014 at the Pan Pacific Sonagaon Hotel organized by MCCI & PRI. Mr. M A Mannan, State Minister for Finance & Planning, Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam, Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government were present in the discussions.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the “DCCI Entrepreneurship & Innovation Expo” organized by DCCI cooperation with Bangladesh Bank at the BICC on June 22, 2014. Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith MP, Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh MP were present as the chief guest and special guest in the Expo.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended an Ifter & Doa Mahfil organized by DCCI at the DCCI Auditorium on July 06, 2014.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended an Ifter Mahfil followed by dinner organized by BMCCI at Eden Ball Room, Hotel Amari, Dhaka on July 12, 2014. HE Borlin Binti Othman, High Commisioner of Malaysia and Patron of BMCCI was present as the Chief Guest.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended an Ifter & Doa Mahfil organized by FBCCI at Officers’ Club, Dhaka on July 17, 2014.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the program of releasing the report on Non-Tariff Measured (NTMs) in South Asia: Assessment and Analysis in the city on September 08, 2014. Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed, FBCCI President Mr. Kazi Akramuddin, MCCI President Rokia Afzal Rahman, ICC’B President Mahbubur Rahman were present in the program.

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n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended the International Investors’ Forum 2014 Bangladesh at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka on September 10, 2014. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the program.

n BTCCI Board Meeting was held on August 23, 2014 at the BTCCI Conference Room, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the Curtain Raiser Ceremony Geges at Media Bazar, BICC on September 18, 2014. Mr. Nasrul Hamid Bipu, State Minister for Power, Energy & Mineral Resource was present as the chief guest.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a Meeting with Bilateral Chambers’ members on ICC International Conference on Global Economic Recovery, Asia Perspective followed by lunch at the DCCI Auditorium on September 29, 2014.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the Joint Chamber Meeting on October 01, 2014 at the Holiday Hotel Villa.

n President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended MCCI’s Celebration Event Commemorating 110years of service at the BICC on October 18, 2014. Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP was present as the chief guest where Dr. A. P. J. Abul Kalam, Acclaimed Scientist and the 11th President of the Republic of India was Guest of Honor and Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed attended as the special guests.

n BTCCI Board Meeting was held on October 18, 2014 at the BTCCI Conference Room, Concord Tower, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka.

n ICC Conference, ASIAN Perspective for 2 days conference starting from October 23, 2014.

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n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a Dinner Party in honor of newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem on October 24, 204 at the Royal Thai Embassy.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the FBCCI Discussion with the newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem on October 26, 2014 at the FBCCI Auditorium. Some of the BTCCI members were present in the discussion.

n BTCCI Board Meeting was held on October 18, 2014 at the BTCCI Conference Room, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Dhaka

n President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the DCCI Discussion with the newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem on October 28, 2014 at the DCCI Auditorium. Some of the BTCCI members were present in the discussion.

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n BTCCI arranged a Luncheon Meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem on November 01, 2014 at the Hotel Ascott the Residence. BTCCI President Mr. Jumma presided over the meeting. Many of the BTCCI members were present in the discussion.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a Luncheon Meeting in honor of the newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem organized by Ministry of the Foreign Affairs on November 01, 2014 at the Padma Guest House.

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n BTCCI Board of Directors led by President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma made a Courtesy Call on Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu on November 01, 2014 at the Shilpa Bhaban, Motijheel.

n 10th BTCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on November 15, 2014 at the Sinha Lounge, Dhaka Club Ltd.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the Thai National Day Celebration Program on December 05, 2014 at the Redisson Blu Water Garden, Dhaka.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the Hereway International Inaugural Program on December 13, 2014 at the Bird’s Eye Roof Top Restaurant and Convention Hall, Dhaka. BTCCI President was the special guest in the inaugural program.

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n President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the BOI Seminar on Harmonization of Economic Policies in Bangladesh on December 14, 2014 at the Hall Room, BIAM, Dhaka. Dr. Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir MP, Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, Bangladesh was present as the chief guest in the seminar.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a seminar on Harmonization of Economic Policies in Bangladesh at Hall Room, BIAM on December 14, 2014. Planning Minister Mr. A H M Mustafa Kamal was the chief guest and Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, Bangladesh Dr. Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir, BOI Executive Chairman Mr. S A Samad were present as the special guests.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended FBCCI AGM at the Officers’ Club on December 22, 2014.

n President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a Luncheon Meeting in honor of Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of TBBC organized by The Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka on December 22, 2014.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a dinner Meeting with 3 members Delegation from Thai Film Industries (TFI) on December 24, 2014 at the Westin Hotel, Dhaka. BTCCI President, TBBC President Mr. Mingpant Chaya, BTCCI Director Administration Mr. Abu Rushed Tarek, BTCCI Director Mr. Zafar Osman, BTCCI Hony Director Ms. Wachara Chumnanwong were present.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a seminar on ‘Small Medium and Handy Craft Development’ organized by FBCCI in the FBCCI Auditorium on December 25, 2014 where FBCCI President Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmed attended as the chief guest.

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n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a Meeting with Mr. Mingpant Chaya, TBBC President on January 08, 2015 at the Hotel Westin Dhaka about the upcoming Thai Delegation to Bangladesh in January, 2015.

n BOI Workshop on Leather and Leather Goods: Next to RMG in Bangladesh at the FARS Hotel & Resorts, Dhaka on January 24, 2015. Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu was present as the chief guest and Food Minister Mr. Quamrul Islam was present as the special guest in the program.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended the BMCCI Mezban at the Lmada Hall, Gulshan Club Ltd on January 31, 2015.

n BTCCI organized a business meeting at the Dhaka Club Ltd, Dhaka on February 01, 2015 with the 20 members Thai Business delegation from BOI, Thailand and 8 important sectors- Textile, Agricultural Machinery, Pharmaceutical, Food, Cosmetic and Chemical Process Machinery, Machinery parts, Metal, Insulation/ Plastic/ Foam, Cold Storage, Plastic pellets/Shrink Label Film. The Delegation was led by Deputy Secretary General of BOI, Thailand Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang.

n President Sajjatuz Jumma attended the discussion meeting organized by the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI) on February 02, 2015 at the Ball Room, Pan Pacific Sonargaon. A good number of members of the Delegation from Asia-Pacific Countries were present in the meeting. Mr. Jamal Inaishvili, President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI) presided over the meeting and Prf. Dr. Gowher Rizvi, Advisor to the Prime Minister (International Affairs) of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest in the meeting.

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n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the “Showcase Canada 2015” (Trade and Education Fair) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on February 14, 2015. Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed, MP was present as the chief guest and Canadian High commissioner Pierre Laramee and FBCCI President Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed were the special guests in the program.

n President Sajjatuz Jumma attended the 19th National Annual Quality Convention (NAQC) at the Auditorium of the Krishibid Institution, Dhaka on February 28, 2015. Renowned Japanese Management Specialist Prof. Dennic Tachiki, Graduate School of Management, Tamagawa University, Tokyo, Japan was present as the Keynote Speaker in the Convention.

n BTCCI Board Meeting was held on February 28, 2015 at the BTCCI Conference Room, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Dhaka

n BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a Workshop on “Rethinking Democratization: Consensus Building for Results” followed by launch of the book titled “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujiber Shommohoni Netritto O Shadhinatar Shangram”(Bengali Version of The Third World Charismat: Sheikh Mujib and the Struggle for Freedom) on Saturday, March 7th, 2015 at the conference room of PRI. Prof. Rahman Sobhan, Chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) was present as the chief guest.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended the Seminar on “ Legal and Regulatory Issues Related to Environmental Sustainability of the Textiles Sector” to be held on Saturday, 21st March, 2015 at 11:00am in the Conference Room of PRI. Minister for Environment and Forest Mr. Anwar Hossain Monju was present as the chief guest in the program.

n President Jumma attended a Discussion Meeting the visiting IORA delegation on April 7, 2015 at 11:30 a.m at the Board Room of FBCCI. Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, President, FBCCI presided over the meeting.

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n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the MCCI Interactive Meeting with Hermawan Kartajawa and Sunil Kumar Alagh at the Chamber Conference Room on April 18, 2015. Minister for Cultural Affairs Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, MP was present as the chief guest at the meeting.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a business networking lunch to welcome the new German Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz at the Ballroom I, Westin Dhaka on 5th May, 2015.

n President Sajjatuz Jumma attended a seminar on “Bangladesh 2030: Next Billion Dollar Opportunities” with an aim to position Bangladesh as the 30th Largest economy in the world at Palm View Restaurant on May 30, 2015 organized by BOI. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was present as the chief guest in the program.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended a discussion on “Budget 2015-2016: Views of the Business Community” on June 16, 2015 organized by the MCCI & PRI at the MCCI Chamber Conference Hall. State Minister for Finance and Planning Mr. M A Mannan, MP was present as the chief guest and Chairman of the NBR Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman was the special guest in the discussion

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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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. Abdul Matlub Ahmed, President, The Federation of the Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) for being elected FBCCI President for the term of 2015-2016.

n Mr. Syed Nasim Monjur, President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) and hon’ble member of BTCCI for being elected MCCI President for the term 2015.

n Mr. Md. Shafiul Islam, First Vice President, The Federation of the Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) for being elected FBCCI First Vice President for the term of 2015-2016.

n Mr. Mahbubul Alam, Vice President, The Federation of the Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) for being elected FBCCI Vice President for the term of 2015-2016.

n Mr. Hossain Khaled, President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Patron of BTCCI for being elected DCCI President for the term of 2015.

n Mr. Anis A Khan, Vice President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) for being elected MCCI Vice President for the term 2015.

n Mr. Masud Rahman, President, Canadian Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham) for being elected CanCham Bangladesh President.

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

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 Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Director of BTCCI and Director of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for being elected BGMEA Director.

n Major M. Taneem Hasan (Retd), Chairman, RAOWA Club Ltd and former Director of BTCCI for being re-elected Chairman of the RAOWA Club Ltd

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. n Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, Vice Chairman, Bengal Group of Industries and hon’ble member

of BTCCI upon the sad demise of his mother. n Mr. Abu Rushd Tarek, Director Administration, BTCCI and Managing Director of Banthai

Furnitures Ltd upon the sad demise of his Mother Late Jahanara Begum.

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BTCCI in News PapersWays of cutting BD-Thai trade gap stressedFinancial Express, Wednesday, 29 Oct, 2014Leading 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.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.

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BTCCI calls for more Thai investment in BangladeshBusiness Desk, Daily Observer

Published :Monday, 5 October, 2015

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) called for more investment from Thailand in Bangladesh for enhancing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The call was made at an event held on Saturday to bid farewell to the departing Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Madurapocahana Ittarong at a local hotel in Dhaka, said a press release.

BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma in his speech said Bangladesh and Thailand were tested friends and had historical and cultural ties for centuries.

He said through further investment the trade gap which is now in favour of Thailand can be reduced to a great extent, said Presient of BTCCI, which has been working to boost the bilateral trade between the two countries since its inception in 2003.

Though the quality of Thai products is satisfactory but the price of this is costlier than the competitors and high duty of our exporting products are main constraints for the trading, he also added.

President Jumma also urged to the Businessmen to import more products like Pharmaceuticals, Jute and Jute goods, Leather, RMG and Fisheries etc from Bangladesh.

He emphasized on more investment in Infrastructure development of the country and creating joint venture between Bangladesh and Thai company which sectors are strong position from your side.

Ambassador Madurapochana Ittarong appreciated BTCCI to promote and develop trade, investment and industry between Bangladesh and Thailand and expressed her continued efforts indeed to work for increasing investment in collaboration with Thai BOI and Bangladesh BOI and also with BTCCI.

By the implementing project of First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Co. Ltd she thought that many of the Thai Company now interested to invest in the Infrastructure Development in Bangladesh.

BTCCI Founder President Eng. Rashed Maksud Khan mentioned that apart from existing sectors- Jute and Jute goods, Leather, Agro, Light Engineering etc Bnagladesh could add Pharmaceuticals, RMG, Tourism, Frozen Foods, Fisheries, Infrastructure, Education and Training to attract the Thai Businessmen.

BTCCI Honourary Director and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy Wachara Chamnanwong, DCCI Former President and Chairman of Uttara Group Matiur Rahman, DCCI Former President and BTCCI member Sayeeful Islam, BTCCI Director Mafiz A Bhuiyan, BTCCI Director and BGMEA Director Md. Munir Hossain and DCL Former President Tanveer Muzhar Islam were present among other members of BTCCI in the programme.

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BTCCI seeks more Thai investmentFinancial Express, 05 Oct, 2015

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) president sought more Thai investment by enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.

BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma came up with the call at the farewell ceremony of departing Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Madurapochana Ittarong held at a city hotel on Saturday.

Mr Jumma said that Bangladesh and Thailand are tested friends.

He called for reducing the trade gap between two countries.

Though the quality of Thai products is satisfactory but the price is high, he added.

He also urged to the businessmen to import more products like pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, leather, RMG and fisheries etc from Bangladesh.

The departing Thai Ambassador appreciated BTCCI to promote and develop trade, investment and industry between Bangladesh and Thailand. She assured her continued efforts to work for increasing investment in collaboration with Thai BOI and Bangladesh BOI and also with BTCCI.

She said that Thailand has been maintaining good relations with Bangladesh over the years, adding that more cooperation between the private companies of the two countries would obviously boost bilateral trade.

Ms Ittarong said that many Thai companies are interested to invest in the infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

BTCCI honourary Director and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy Wachara Chamnanwong, DCCI Former President and Chairman of Uttara Group Matiur Rahman, DCCI Former President Sayeeful Islam, BTCCI Director Mafiz A Bhuiyan, and BGMEA Director Md Munir Hossain, were present at the programme.

Thailand urged to invest in infrastructureFinancial Express, 05 Feb, 2015

A trade body has urged Thai entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector and establish joint-venture with local companies.

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) has made the call at a recent meeting with a 20-member Thai Business delegation of Board of Investment (BOI) and representatives from different eight business sectors of the southeast Asian nation.

Stressing the need for reducing trade gap between Thailand and Bangladesh, the BTCCI president Sajjatuz Jumma said the chamber has been playing an important role since its inception in 2003.

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Mr Jumma also urged the businessmen to import pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, leather, readymade garments and fish from Bangladesh.

He placed importance on more investment in the infrastructure development of Bangladesh and go for joint-venture between Bangladeshi and Thai companies.

Thai BOI deputy secretary general and leader of the Thai delegation Chokedee Kaewsang appreciated the BTCCI to promote and develop trade, investment and industry between Bangladesh and Thailand.

He expressed his willingness to work for increasing investment in collaboration with the investment promotion agencies of the two countries.

BTCCI vice president Mohammed Ali said that apart from jute and jute goods, leather, agro, light engineering, the Thai businessmen could invest in pharmaceuticals, RMG, tourism, frozen foods, fisheries, infrastructure and education.

The representatives from different eight business sectors took part in the discussion and exchanged views with their local counterparts.

Special EPZ for Thai investors soughtFinancial Express, 13 Nov, 2014

Leaders of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) have demanded a special export processing zone (EPZ) for the Thai entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh.

The BTCCI leaders made the demand when they met Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu in the city on Wednesday, reports UNB.

They expressed the hope that Thai investment would increase significantly if an EPZ is set up for the investors from Thailand.

During the meeting, the business leaders said Thai entrepreneurs are interested to relocate their industries to Bangladesh as the cost of production is rising in their country following workers’ wage hike.

The industries minister assured them of providing all necessary supports for the Thai investment if the entrepreneurs come up with joint or direct investment.

The minister said a process to set up separate economic zones for Japan, China and India is underway. “Once these are done, an initiative will be taken for establishing an EPZ for Thai investors.”

Additional Industries Secretary M Forhad Uddin, BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma, directors Asif Ibrahim, Montchai Musicabud, Zafar Osman, M Salem Sulaiman, Munir Hossain and Abu Rushd Tarek were, among others, present at the meeting.

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AcknowledgementBTCCI acknowledges with thanks the continued support and contribution made by n Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Charge d’ Affaires of the Thai Embassy, Dhaka and Chief Patron, BTCCI n Mr. Hossain Khaled, President of DCCI and Patron, BTCCI n Ms. Wachara Chamnanwong, 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 Engr. 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.

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. 10 Massons Polymer Corporation

2 Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd. 11 Vertex Group

3 Square Informatix Ltd. 12 Desh Electronics

4 Newage Group 13 Jinghua Bangla Tours & Travels Ltd.

5 LW Hair & Skin Beauty Spa Salon 14 Bengal Polymer Wares Ltd.

6 C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd. 15 Remex corporation Ltd.

7 Toka Ink Bangladesh Ltd. 16 Thai Emerald

8 S. S. Shipping and Chartering Ltd. 17 Bangkok Hospital

9 Ascott the Residence

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BTCCI Activities in Pictorial

Discussions between BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma with Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu during the BTCCI Call on Industry Minister of Bangladesh

BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma handed over a gift to the departing

ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong in the

BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh

BTCCI Members in the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh

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Address by departing Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong in the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh

BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma welcoming the Minister Counsellor

(Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka to the BTCCI Board

meeting as the Hony. Director of BTCCI. BTCCI Immediate Past President

Mr. M A Momen and Sr. Vice President Charles C R Patra werepresent among others.

Mr. Mafiz A Bhuiyan, Director of BTCCI and Mr. Motiur Rahman, BTCCI Member during the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh.

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Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President addressing of welcome in the Business Meeting with the Thai Delegation to Bangladesh at the Dhaka Club Ltd.

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI and Mr. M A Momen, Immediate

Past President handed over a flower bouquet to the Ambassador of Thailand

to Bangladesh Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong in the 9th AGM of BTCCI at the

Dhaka Club Ltd.

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI, Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI, Mr. K Habib Sattar, Past President and Mr. Jashim U Ahmed, Immediate Past Vice President of BTCCI during the 10th AGM of BTCCI at the Dhaka Club Ltd.

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BTCCI members and Participants in the Luncheon Meeting with the newly appointed ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem at the Ascot The Residence, Dhaka.

BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma in the reception party of the Philippines-

Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BPCCI).

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI, Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, President of DCCI & Immediate Past Sr. Vice President of BTCCI, Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI, Mr. K Habib Sattar, Past President and Ms. Wachara Chamnanwong, Hony. Director of BTCCI in the Dias during the 10th AGM of BTCCI at the Dhaka Club Ltd.

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Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI presented the BTCCI Annual Report of 2014 to the members of the BTCCI during the 10th AGM of BTCCI at the Dhaka Club Ltd. where Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, President of DCCI & Immediate Past Sr. Vice President of BTCCI, Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President of BTCCI and Mr. K Habib Sattar, Past President were present in the Dias

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI, Senior Vice President

Mr. Charles C. R. Patra and Mr. M A Momen, Immediate Past President

discussed about the BTCCI activities with the Ambassador of Thailand to

Bangladesh Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong in the 9th AGM of BTCCI at the

Dhaka Club Ltd.

Members of the BTCCI during the AGM of BTCCI at the Dhaka Club Ltd.

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Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, Departing Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, addressing in the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh

Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh,

Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka

attended the BTCCI AGM at the Dhaka Club Ltd. Mr. Md. Enayet Husain,

Director Finance, Mr. Mafiz A Bhuiyan, Director of BTCCI, Mr. Zafar Osman, Director of BTCCI, Mr. A Y M Kamal,

BTCCI Members also present among other members of BTCCI.

Mr. Tanveer Muzaharul Islam, BTCCI member and Past President of Dhaka Club Ltd, Mr. Mohammad Hussain Sattar, Member of BTCC, Mr. Mosharraf Hossain, BTCCI Member were present in the BTCCI Farewell Party of the departing Ambassador of Thailand

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Address of welcome of Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President in the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh

Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, BTCCI Founder President, Mr. M A Momen,

BTCCI Immediate Past President and Mr. Zafar Osman, Director of BTCCI

were present in the Business meeting with Thai Business Delegation to

Bangladesh.

Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh and BTCCI Vice President Mr. Mohammad Ali and Mr. Jashim U Ahmed, BTCCI Immediate Past Vice President in the discussing meeting between Thai officials and BTCCI Members in Chittagong..

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Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President handing shack with Industry Minister Mr. Amir Hossain Amu during a BTCCI courtesy call on Industry Minister.

Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President handed over a flower bouquet to the departing ambassador of Thailand

to Bangladesh Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong in BTCCI Farewell Party to the

Thai Ambassador in the Ascott Palace Ltd.

BTCCI secretary Md. Nazmul Hossen addressing in the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador in the Ascott Palace Ltd.

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Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President, Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, BTCCI Founder President, Mr. M A Momen, BTCCI Immediate Past President in the BTCCI AGM at the Dhaka Club Ltd.

BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma welcoming Mr. Montchai Musicabud,

Director of BTCCI and Managing Director of First Dhaka Elevated

Expressway Co. Ltd in the Luncheon Meeting with the newly appointed

ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem at the

Ascott The Residence, Dhaka.

Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Founder President addressing in the BTCCI Farewell Party to the Thai Ambassador in the Ascott Palace Ltd

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Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand, Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President, Mr. Quazi Feraous, Project Director of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Mr. Mosharraf Hossain, BTCCI Member and Mr. Md. Nazmul Hossen, BTCCI Secretary were present in the Luncheon Meeting with the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand at the Ascott The Residence, Dhaka.

BTCCI Hony. Director Ms. Wachara Chamnanwong, Mr. Phasit

Chudabuddhi, Counsellor of the Thai Embassy, Dhaka and Mr. Md. Nazmul

Hossen, BTCCI Secretary were present in Hereway International Inaugural

Program in Dhaka.

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President, Mr. M A Momen, BTCCI Immediate Past President and others directors and secretary of the BTCCI in the BTCCI Board of Director Meeting at the BTCCI Conference Room

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Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President, Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Thai BOI Deputy Secretary General and Leader of the Thai Business Delegation to Bangladesh, Mr. Charles C R Patra, Sr. Vice President, Mr. Mohammad Ali, Vice President and Ms. Wachara Chamnanwong in the Business Meeting with the Thai Business Delegation to Bangladesh.

Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Thai BOI Deputy Secretary General and Leader

of the Thai Business Delegation addressing in the BTCCI Business

Meeting with the Thai Business Delegation to Bangladesh.

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President, Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Thai BOI Deputy Secretary General and Leader of the Thai Business Delegation, Mr. Charles C R Patra, Sr. Vice President, Immediate Past President of BTCCI Mr. M A Momen, BTCCI Founder President Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan discussing in the BTCCI Business Meeting with the Thai Business Delegation to Bangladesh.

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Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Thai BOI Deputy Secretary General and Leader of the Thai Business Delegation handing over a gift to Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President in the BTCCI Business Meeting with the Thai Business Delegation to Bangladesh.

Mr. Mafiz A Bhuiyan, BTCCI Director, Mr. Md. Harun-Ar-Rashid, BTCCI

Member among other BTCCI Members present in the BTCCI Business Meeting with the Thai

Business Delegation in DCL.

Discussing between BTCCI Vice President Mr. Mohammad Ali and Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Thai BOI Deputy Secretary General in the BTCCI Business Meeting with the Thai Business Delegation.

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