From The President’s Desk · of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), bilateral chambers and government bodies in Bangladesh and Thailand

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The current issue of BTCCI Newsletter, tenth in line is going to roll out of the press on the December 27, 2016 the day set to hold the 12th 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$ 800 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$ 3136.60 billion. Thailand’s economy on the other hand has grown at the rate of 3.2 % over the last few years and in spite of a severe flood faced recently its economy has rebounded back with exports reaching around US$ 215 billion.A high profile business delegation comprising 24 members led by BTCCI President visited to Bangkok, Thailand in the middle of this year during the single country Expo title “Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok” organized by EPB and Bangladesh Embassy to Thailand and 7 companies from BTCCI members participated in the successful Expo by taking Stall. BTCCI President and Delegation members played important roles in several important programs. 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.Several important business delegations came to Bangladesh from Thailand during the year 2015-2016. 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. A 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 and a Business Meeting between BTCCI and 8 members Delegation from the Thai Port Authority led by Governor of Ranong Province of Thailand Mr. Suriyan Karnjanasilp was held at the Dhaka Club Ltd on February 8, 2016.Our deep appreciation to the Thai Ambassador and BTCCI Chief Patron Ms Panpimon Suwannapongse for her active guidance and cooperation extended to BTCCI. BTCCI is indebted to Mr. Suebsak Dangboonrueng, Minister counselor (Commercial), Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka and head of the Thai Trade Centre, Dhaka for sharing and inviting our Board Members in most of their activities and also thank them continued support and cooperation as earlier. Our sincerest acknowledgement to the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, TBBC president Mr. Mingpant Chiya, the Minister Counsellor of Royal Thai Embassy Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Counsellor Ms. Oranus Watthayanon, Second Secretary Ms. Hathaiphat Chatpiyaphat, Second Secretary Ms. Chompunut Phasuphan, the Bangladesh Embassy, Thailand and BOI authorities of both Thailand and Bangladesh for their support whenever approached. Finally, our gratification to all our BTCCI members for their inspirative and continued support extended to our Board of Directors and also 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

BTCCI Board ofDirectors 2015-17

Office-BearersMr. Sajjatuz Jumma PresidentMr. Md. Ayub Ali Sr. Vice PresidentMr. Mohammed Ali Vice PresidentMr. Md. Munir Hossain Director AdminMr. Abu Rushd Tarek Director Finance

DirectorsMr. Zafar OsmanMr. Asif IbrahimMr. M. Shahjahan KhanMr. Salahuddin AbdullahMr. Md. Enayet Husain Mr. Mafiz A. BhuiyanMr. Montchai MusicabudMr. Shahzada HamidMr. M. Salem SulaimanMr. Pramatha Barua

Secretariat Mr. Md. Nazmul HossenSecretary

Chief Patron Ms. Panpimon Suwannapongse Hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh

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

BTCCI SecretariatConcord Tower (8th Floor), Suite-801113 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 12th 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 10th issue covering the activities of BTCCI upto December, 2016. 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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M. Shahjahan KhanDirector

Md. Munir HossainDirector Administration

Montchai MusicabudDirector

Salahuddin AbdullahDirector

Abu Rushd TarekDirector Finance

Shahzada HamidDirector

Mohammed AliVice President

Md. Ayub AliSr. Vice President

Sajjatuz JummaPresident

Md. Enayet HusainDirector

Zafar OsmanDirector

M. Salem SulaimanDirector

Mafiz A. BhuiyanDirector

Asif IbrahimDirector

Pramatha BaruaDirector

Board of Directors for the term 2015-17

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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.

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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

BTCCI Business Delegation visited Thailand duringMay 29 to June 02, 2016.A 24 members Business Delegation of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) comprising of its Board of Directors and general members visited Thailand on May 29 to June 02, 2016. In the time of the visit, the single country Expo title “Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok” was held during May 30 to June 01, 2016 that organized by EPB and Bangladesh Embassy to Thailand and 7 companies from BTCCI members participated in the successful Expo by taking Stall. BTCCI President and Delegation members played important roles in several important programs.

Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Members of the BTCCI Business Delegation attended the inaugural Program of the Expo. Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn, Commerce Minister of Thailand and Mr. Tofail Ahmed, Commerce Minister of Bangladesh were inaugurated the program on May 30, 2016 where Bangladesh State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Nasrul Hamid Bipu, state Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Mrs. Tarana Halim, State minister for Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mrs. Meher Afroz Chumki, EPB Vice Chairperson Mrs. Mafruha Sultana and FBCCI President Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad attended the program as special guests. Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand presided over the meeting. Some important seminars and symposium like on RMG sector, Jute & Jute Goods, Pharmaceuticals, Power and Energy sector, Food and Fishing etc were held during the Expo.

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A business networking meeting was held on May 31, 2016 in QSNCC where BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma represented the Bangladesh Business Community. He emphasized on the meeting to establish more joint venture of labor intensive industry in Bangladesh and agreed to set up strategic partnership especially in Infrastructure Development sector, IT & ICT sector, Agro based and Fisheries sector, Light Engineering and Power & Energy Sector and also 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.

Another important Business Meeting followed by Dinner was organized by the TBBC on May 29, 2016. 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).

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Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, 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), Thailand.

In the closing program of the Bangladesh Trade & Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok, Thailand Mr. Shahriar Alam, State Minister of Foreign Affairs was present as the chief Guest and state Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Mrs. Tarana Halim was present as special guest. BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma was present in the closing program of the Expo as the special guest. In his speech Mr. Jumma said that in the promotion of Bangladesh’s Brand in this splendid Expo there is a milestone for our bilateral relationship between this two friendly countries. The participation of all about 55 companies could attract more to new market in Thailand by this Expo. Consistently arranging such a grand program the bilateral business could be more strengthen. Mr. Shahriar Alam said the relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand would be strength and would further enhance our bilateral trade and investment by taking more new and innovative programs in the coming days like this expo. He also stressed to more reciprocal exchanges and visits through collaboration of FBCCI, BOI, TBBC, BTCCI etc would yield greater benefits for our businessmen of both sides.

The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem hosted a dinner party in honor of the visiting Bangladesh Delegation to Thailand on June 01, 2016. Welcoming the members on behalf of herself and Bangladesh Embassy Ms. Muna thanked everyone for attending and participating in the Bangladesh Trade & Investment Expo 2016 to make a successful event.

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Governor of Ranong Province of Thailand expects to raise bilateral business by using both countries’ sea portGovernor of Ranong Province of Thailand Mr. Suriyan Karnjanasilp expressed expectation to Businessmen of Bangladesh and Thailand to raise bilateral business by using both countries’ sea port in a Business Meeting between Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) and the Delegation of the Thai Port Authority at the Dhaka Club Ltd on February 8, 2016 organized by BTCCI. The 13 member high profile Thai delegation is visiting Bangladesh to explore feasibility of signing MoU for direct coastal shipping between Chittagong port of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal and Ranong Port of Thailand in the Andaman Sea.

Governor of Ranong Province of Thailand Mr. Suriyan Karnjanasilp, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, ICC’B President Mr. Mahbubur Rahman are seen among others in the BTCCI Business Meeting with The Thai Port Authority Delegation to Bangladesh.

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI welcomed the Delegation members and said that Bangladesh and Thailand have long-standing friendly relations as trusted and tested friend, even before the two countries established diplomatic ties on October 5, 1972.

President Jumma also said that Thailand is an advanced economy, and is recognized globally as a hub of the Asia-Pacific region due to its impressive creation, innovation and development of versatile products. Being strategic partners in the region, Bangladesh and Thailand cooperate with each other both bilaterally and multilaterally. It is high time for both of the country to boost relations with each other in order to nurture the economic diplomacy adopted in recent times. By the exploring MoU between Chittagong Port and Ranong Port is shown up the growing bilateral diplomatic and business relationship between the two brotherhood countries by the leading of our Ambassador Muna.

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Mr. Suriyan Karnjanasilp, Governor of Ranong Province of Thailand said that both countries cooperation should be widened regionally and bilaterally by establishing sea and land routes. By exploring the MoU Chittagong and Ranong will start new horizon in the diplomatic and business relationship between two friendly countries. He assured all out support and cooperation from his side to implement a bilateral understanding between Bangladesh and Thailand embassy. He shortly expressed his views and opinons to the business galaxy about the relevant issues of MoU.

Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand emphasized on strengthening that already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand. She also stressed 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. 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. She also emphasized that apart from trading only, now both the countries should try to establish strategic partnerships to establish labor intensive industries in Bangladesh.

Mr. Prajak Sriwatthana, Assistant Director General of Asset Management and Business Development and Leader of the Delegation said that Thailand’s Ranong sea port, in particular, is a capable port of entry in logistics of goods, and now it is going to be a new gateway to accommodate trade expansion between Thailand and Bangladesh.

Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of the Thai-Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC) 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.

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Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC’B), Mr. Md. Ayub Ali, Sr. Vice President, BTCCI Founder President Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Past President Mr. M A Momen and FBCCI Director Sheik Fazle Fahim were also present. The others directors of BTCCI including Mr. Zafar Osman, DCCI Former President, Mr. Shahjahan Khan, DCCI Former President, Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Mr. Mafiz A Bhuiyan, Mr. Montchai Musicubud, Managing Director of First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Ltd, Mr. Md. Enayet Husain, Mr. Shahzada Hamid, Mr. M. Salem Sulaiman, Mr. Pramatha Barua were present among others. BTCCI Secretary Mr. Md. Nazmul Hossen Conducted over the business meeting.

BTCCI calls for exporting more Bangladeshi Products to ThailandThe Board of Directors of the Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) placed some proposals for enhancing bilateral trade & Investment relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand in the BTCCI Courtesy Call with the newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms. Panpimon Suwannapongse at the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka on Monday, August 1, 2016.

BTCCI placed some important proposals to the new Thai Envoy like to make easier for the business community multiple entry visa, more involvement of BTCCI in the Thai trade fair and other relevant Thai programs in Bangladesh, to work jointly for Thai Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh, relocating labor intensive industry in Bangladesh. The New Thai Envoy assured the business leaders to work on all proposals of BTCCI and also assured try to make easier for Thai Business Visa.

The Thai Ambassador Thanked to the board of Directors to come forward for the discussion of bilateral issues of Bangladesh and Thailand and assured with all out cooperation for enhancing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.

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Seen in the photo HE Ms. Panpimon Suwannapongse, 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. Suebsak Dangboonrueng, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) & BTCCI Honorary Director and some of Directors of BTCCI and Thai Embassy officials were present in the BTCCI Board of Directors Courtesy Call with Thai Embassy Officials.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.Though the trade volume between our two friendly countries reached about US$ 800 million in previous year in favor of Thailand but the volume decreased than few years back when the volume was exceeded US$1.2 billion. So, Mr Jumma wanted to get suggestion from ambassador and her officials how to increase the trade volume and increase for exporting to Thailand from Bangladesh. 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 and Ceramics etc and relocating labor intensive industry in Bangladesh.

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. He also emphasized on the Data and Information sharing between BTCCI and Thai Trade Center. 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,

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Jute and Jute goods, Light Engineering and various infrastructure facilities could also be explored.

Mr. Md. Ayub Ali, Sr. Vice President of BTCCI stressed upon more cooperation between our two business communities and to do more studies for reducing the trade deficit that currently existed between Bangladesh and Thailand. He stated that Thailand needs to import more products from other countries and Bangladesh can be one of its important sourcing countries.

The Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms. Panpimon Suwannapongse thanked BTCCI Board of Directors for such a courtesy call with her. 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. She is now working to promote 2 special Bangladeshi goods-Jute & Jute Goods and Pharmaceuticals to Export to Thailand. The 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 including Mr. Suebsak Dangboonrueng, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) & BTCCI Honorary Director, Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Director Administration, Mr. Abu Rushd Tarek, Director Finance, Mr. Mafiz A Bhuiyan, Mr. Shahzada Hamid, Mr. Salem Sulaiman, Mr. Pramatha Barua, Directors and Mr. Md. Nazmul Hossen, Secretary of BTCCI.

BTCCI urges more Thai investment in 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 the Acott the Residence, Dhaka on September 05, 2016 with the 15 members Thai Business delegation from BOI, Thailand and some important sectors led by Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary General of BOI, Thailand.

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

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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.

Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President of TBBC 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.

BTCCI Sr. Vice President Mr. Md. Ayub 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 business sectors took part in the discussion and exchanged views with their counterparts in Bangladesh. BTCCI Founder President Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, BTCCI Former President Mr. M A Momen, BTCCI Former President Mr. K Habib Sattar and some of directors and Members were present in the Business Meeting and also exchanged views with Thai entrepreneurs.

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Chronology of some BTCCI Activities upto December‘16n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the Bangladesh Investment & Policy

Summit 2016 held on 24-25 January 2016 at Radisson Blu Garden Hotel, Dhaka & Jointly organized by BOI & BUILD in association with FBCCI, DCCI, MCCI, PPP Office, IFC etc. hon’ble Prime Minister HE Sheikh Hasina was present as the chief guest in the inaugural program of the Summit.

n President of BTCCI attended the Bilateral Chambers’ seminar on Integrate Bangladesh into Asia organized by all bilateral chambers of Bangladesh at the Lake Shore Hotel, Gulshan, Dhaka on January 23, 2016.

n BTCCI President Mr. Jumma attended a seminar on ‘Small Medium and Handy Craft Development’ organized by FBCCI in the FBCCI Auditorium on December 25, 2015 where FBCCI President Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmed attended as the chief guest.

n BTCCI Business meeting with the Delegation of the Port Authority of Thailand held on Monday, February 08, 2016 at 6pm at the “Bengal Lounge” of Dhaka Club Ltd, Ramna, Dhaka.

n BTCCI President attended the 2nd Meet up on 25 February 2016 organized by CanCham Bangladesh held at the DCCI Auditorium (5th Floor), 65-66 Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000 at 12 noon. Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikram attended the occasion as Chief Guest and Executive Chairman (Minister), Board of Investment Dr. Syed A Samad Chaired the Meet Up.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended the lecture on The Business of The Family Business by a globally renowned Family Business Advisor Mirza Yawar Baig (MYB) on February 27, 216 organized by MCCI at the MCCI Auditorium.

n Mr. Jumma attended the Prospects & Challenges for Industries in Energy and Power sector of 7th Five-Year Plan on March 05, 2016 at the DCCI Auditorium organized by

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DCCI. Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, hon’ble Advisor to the Prime Minister on Power, Energy & Mineral Resources Affairs, GoB was present as the Chief Guest.

n BTCCI Vice President attended the Challenge of cooperation on the Road to Prosperity on March 06, 2016 at the Hotel Radisson Blu, Chittagong organized by IBFB.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President attended the launching ceremony of Bangladesh Trade Portal on March 13, 2016 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka hosted by the Ministry of Commerce with support from the Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, World Bank Group, the portal provides an accessible, logical, helpful window for traders to access important regulatory and procedural information needed to export and import. Honorable Minister of Commerce H.E. Mr. Tofail Ahmed MP attended the portal as Chief Guest and Mr. Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, ndc presided over the program.

n BTCCI Sr. Vice President Mr. Md. Ayub Ali attended the Inaugural Program of the four-day long trade show namely “Thailand Week 2016” organized by Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka jointly organized held during 16- 19 March 2016 at the Bashundhara International Convention City. Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed was present as the chief guest to inaugurate the Fair on March 16, 2016.

n Mr. Jumma attended the Reception Program for Her Excellency Mrs. Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere, Honorable Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka organized by the DBCCI on Monday the 21st March, 2016 at the Gardenia The Grand Hall, Gulshan.

n BTCCI President attended a Welcome Reception in honour of H.E. Nur Ashikin Mohd Taib, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Bangladesh and Chief Patron of BMCCI on Saturday, 30th April, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. at the Gressho-AB (2nd Floor),Six Seasons Hotel, Dhaka organized by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI).

n President of the BTCCI attended the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Bangladesh held Monday, 09 May 2016 at 6.30 pm at Hotel Holiday Villa.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of the BTCCI attended the Annual General Meeting 2015 & 10th Anniversary Celebration of IBFB at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka on May 12, 2016.

n President Jumma attended the discussions on “Budget 2016-2017: our Expectations” organized by MCCI and Maasranga Television on May 13, 2016 at the Chamber Building of MCCI. Finance Minister of Bangladesh Mr. A. M.A. Muhith, MP was present as the chief guest.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended the Thinking of Entrepreneurs about the Budget 2016-17 organized by FBCCI on May 19, 2016 at 10AM at FBCCI Auditorium. State Minister for the Foreign Affairs Mr. Sahriar Alam, MP was present in the discussions.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of the BTCCI attended the achievement of 2 million Dollars in Bi-lateral Trade between Bangladesh and Canada in 2015 organized by DCCI and CanCham, Bangladesh on May 19, 2016 at 12PM at the DCCI Auditorium.

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n BTCCI Board of Directors Meeting held on July 30, 2016 at 4.30pm at the BTCCI Conference Room. New BTCCI hony. Director Mr. Suebsak Dangboonrueng, Minister Counselor (Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka was present and introduced himself to the Board.

n BTCCI Business Delegation departed from Bangladesh to Thailand on May 29, 2016 and attended a Business Meeting organized by TBBC & BOT, Thailand at 7.00pm.

n BTCCI Business Delegation to Thailand attended the Inaugural Program of the Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand on May 30, 2016. Thai Commerce Minister Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn and Bangladesh Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed jointly inaugurated the program.

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n BTCCI President attended the Business Networking Meeting between Bangladesh and Thailand where BTCCI President represented the Bangladesh Business Community.

n BTCCI Business Delegation to Thailand attended the closing Program of the Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo. State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Mr. Shahriar Alam was the chief guest

n BTCCI Board of Directors Meeting held on October 01, 2016 at 4.00pm.

n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a discussion on Budget 2016-2017: Views of the Business Community on June 19, 2016 at Ball Room, Westin Hotel, Dhaka. State Minister for Finance and Planning Mr. M A Mannan, MP was present as the chief guest.

n BTCCI President Mr. Jumma attended a meeting on the Problem and Solutions in the Traffic Jam organized by DCCI at DCCI Auditorium. Planning Minister Mr. A H M Mustafa Kamal was present as chief guest.

n President of BTCCI attended the National Export Trophy Distribution program organized by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on August 28, 2016. Prime Minister of the Government of the people’s Republic of Bangladesh HE Sheikh Hasina was present as the chief guest and Commerce Minister Mr. Tofail Ahmed MP was special guest in the program.

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n Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, President of BTCCI attended a seminar on Issues & Challenges of Financial Closure of Large and Mega Power Projects organized by DCCI on August 13, 2016 at DCCI Auditorium. Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs and Mr. Tariq-Ul-Islam, Secretary of Planning Division were present as chief guest and special guest.

n BTCCI President Mr. Jumma attended an Ifter Mehful followed by Dinner of Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) on June 18, 2016 at Long Beach Suites Dhaka. High Comissioner of Malysia Mr. Nur Ashikun Mohd. Taib was present as the chief guest.

n BTCCI Board of Directors Meeting held on December 10, 2016 at 4.00pm at the BTCCI Conference Room.

n President of BTCCI attended Inaugural Program of “Dhaka Summit on Skills, Employability and Decent Work 2016” on December 11, 2016 organized jointly by Ministry of Labor and Employment, Bangladesh Employer’ Federation and National Coordination Committee for Workers Education during December 11-13, 2016

n Mr. Jumma attended the Convocation 2016 of the ULAB at the BICC on December 22, 2016. Minister for Education Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid MP presided over the convocation ceremony as the representative of the hon’ble Chancellor.

n BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma attended Launching Ceremony of INSEE Cement-“Winds of Change” of Siam City Cement (Bangladesh) Ltd, a brand to reckon with in Thailand on December 22, 2016 at 6.30pm at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel.

Regarding BTCCI MembershipEligibility of BTCCI Membership1. 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 Barrister Nihad Kabir, President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerceν & Industry (MCCI) for being elected MCCI President for the term 2017.

n Mr. Golam Mainuddin, Vice President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerceν & Industry (MCCI) for being elected MCCI Vice President for the term 2017.

n Mr. Taskeen Ahmed, President, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) for elected President of the IBCCI.

n Mr. Md. Alamgir Jalil, President, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) for elected President of the BMCCI for the term 2016-2017

n Mr. Hossain Khaled, President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerceν & Industry (DCCI) and Patron of BTCCI for being elected DCCI President for the term of 2016.

n Mr. Anis A Khan, Vice President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerceν & Industry (MCCI) for being elected MCCI Vice President for the term 2016.

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

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

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

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

n Mrs. Salima Ahmad, President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce andν Industry (BWCCI)for being elected President of BWCCI for the term 2016-17.

n Major M Taneem Hasan, Former Director of BTCCI on being re-elected as the Chairmanν of ROWA Club Limited.

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

n Royal Thai Family, Royal Thai Embassy Dhaka, TBBC and all relevant govt. offices of Thailand on the sad demise of the His Majesty King of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13, 2016 at the Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

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AcknowledgementBTCCI acknowledges with thanks the continued support and contribution made by n Ms. Panpimon Suwannapongse, Hon’ble Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh and Chief Patron of BTCCI n Mr. Hossain Khaled, 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 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. 8 Square Informatix Ltd.

2 Bengal Polymer Wares Ltd. 9 Vertex Group

3 Newage Group 10 Desh Electronics

4 C. P. Bangladesh Co. Ltd. 11 Jinghua Bangla Tours & Travels Ltd.

5 Toka Ink Bangladesh Ltd. 12 Remex corporation Ltd.

6 S. S. Shipping and Chartering Ltd. 13 Farwa Fashion House & Times world

7 Ascott the Residence

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BTCCI Activities in Pictorial

Ambassador of Thailand Ms. Panpimon Suwannapongse and BTCCI Present Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma in the BTCCI Courtesy call with the Thai Ambassador.

Board of Directors of BTCCI and Past Presidents in the caurtesy call with Thai Ambassador.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, BTCCI President Sajjatuz Jumma, Some

BTCCI Directors and Members were present in the luncheon Meeting in

honor of the Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand.

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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. Abu Rushe Tarek, Director Admin Addressing in the 11th Annual General

Meeting of BTCCI.

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 office Bearers at the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Thai Chamber.

BTCCI newly Elected Vice President Mr. Mohammad Ali Addressing in its 11th AGM.

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BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma Congratulating to Mr. Md. Ayub Ali, newly elected Sr. Vice President of the Chamber in its 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

BTCCI Director and DCCI Former President Mr. Asif Ibrahim and

Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem discussing on Bangladesh Trade &

Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok.

BTCCI Secretary Mr. Md. Nazmul Hossen Addressing in its AGM.

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Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Charge d’ Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka receiving a flower Bouquet from Mr. Mohmmed Ali, BTCCI Vice president in its AGM.

At the BTCCI Business Meeting with the delegation of the Thai port Authority.

Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI President handed over a Flower Bouquet to Mr. Mingpant Chaya , President of TBBC in the BTCCI Business meeting with the delegation of the port Authority of Thailand.

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BTCCI President Mr. Jumma and TBBC President Mr. Chaya at the TBBC reception in honor of BTCCI Business Delegation during the Visit of Bangkok.

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.

Leader of the Thai Delegation Mr. Chokedee Kewsing, BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, TBBC President Mr. Mingpant Chaya, BTCCI Sr. Vice President Mr. Md. Ayub Ali and BTCCI Secretary Mr. Md. Nazmul Hossen at the BTCCI Business meeting with the visiting Thai Delegation.


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

BTCCI Board of Directors handing over a crest to Industry Minister

Amir Hossain Amu during BTCCI caurtesy call with Industry Minister.

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 handed over a flower Bouquet to Ms. Sadia Muna Tasneem, hon’ble Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand in the BTCCI business meeting with the Thai Port Authority Delegation.

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.

Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Charge d‘ Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka Addressing in the BTCCI AGM.

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BTCCI Business Meeting with the visiting Thai Delegation to Bangladesh.

BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma Addressing in the BTCCI AGM.

At the BTCCI business meeting with the delegation of The Port Authority of Thailand.

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

Mr. Phasit Chudhabuddhi, Charge d’ Afairs of the Thai Embassy, BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, Sr.

Vice President Mr. Md. Ayub Ali, Vice President Mohammad Ali, Past

President Mr. M.A Momen, Past President K.Habib Sattar, Director

Admin Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Director Finance Mr. Abu Rushd Tarek in its 11th

AGM.

Mr. Suriyan Karnjanasilp, Governor of the Ranong Province of Thailand addressing in The BTCCI Business Meeting with the Delegation of the Port Authority of Thailand.

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BTCCI Farewell Program to departing Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Ms. Madurapochana Ittarong.

Some BTCCI Members in its 11th Annual General Meeting(AGM).

Some BTCCI Members and Delegation Members in the BTCCI Business Meeting with the Delegation of the aThai Port Authority.

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BTCCI Business Meeting with the visiting Thai Delegation to Bangladesh.

BTCCI Office Bearers at its 11th Annual General Meeting

BTCCI Sr. Vice President welcoming to Mr. Mingpant Chaya, TBBC President in BTCCI Business Meeting with Thai Delegation.

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Mrs. Meher Afroze Chumki, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Ms. Saida Mona Tasneem BTCCI, President and Members in the Bangladesh Trade & Investment Expo 2016 in Bangkok.

EPB Vice Chairperson Mrs. Mafruha Sultana, Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem,

BTCCI President Mr. Sajjatuz Jumma, BTCCI Sr. Vice President

Mr. Md. Ayub Ali and BTCCI Director Mr. Md. Enayet Hussain at the

Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok.

During the Inaugural Program of the Bangladesh Trade & Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok.

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During the Closing Program of the Bangladesh Trade and Investment Expo 2016, Bangkok, Thailand.

BTCCI courtesy call with the Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh.

BTCCI Business Delegation to Thailand during May 29 to June 02, 2016.