Thai visa processing is going to be easier and quicker for Bangladeshi businessmen and other people.
Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, the outgoing Thailand Ambassador to Bangladesh, said this while addressing a ‘Virtual Farewell’ in honour of her, organised by Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) on October 07, 2020.
According to a press release issued on Sunday, the ambassador said there is a breakthrough in the relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand which helps directly and indirectly in people to people (P2P) relationship by improving visa processing.
She said visa processing takes only three days as two outsourcing companies - VFS and Simon Company - scrutinise documents properly to get visa application with proper documentation.
Arunrung Phothong Humphreys noted that a big Thai company is interested in a joint venture in the sugar refinery project in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and Thailand can also work jointly to invest in medical, tourism, eco-tourism, agro based industry in Bangladesh, she said.
The Thai ambassador said Bangladesh and Thailand had entered into a three-year development plan under MOFA in Bangkok. This plan includes human resources development, human security, sustainable development of Bangladeshi, transferring technology to Bangladesh in eco-tourism sector in many beautiful natural sites, food and fruits processing under the Bangladesh prime minister’s guidance.
Some Thai Companies like CP Bangladesh, Siam City Cement, Ital-Thai Company, etc are contributing to developing the Bangladesh economy. Thailand is also working with the Bangladesh government to fight Covid-19.
BTCCI President M Shahjahan Khan said Bangladesh is indeed grateful to the departing envoy for its sincere appreciation and understanding of the two countries’ business potential and the active role played by BTCCI to enhance bilateral relation.
He said Bangladeshi business community is keen to do business with Thailand.
The embassy’s kind support to BTCCI will help them organise trade-related events to showcase the products of both countries, M Shahjahan Khan said, adding that due to Covid- 19 pandemic, all the initiatives have been stopped.
Asif Ibrahim, chariman of CSE, director of BTCCI and former president of DCCI, said Bangladesh has had a historic relation with Thailand over the years in the area of trade, tourism, health tourism.
“Thailand can be tourism partner in our country,” he said, adding that globally reputed Thai hospitality companies can invest in Bangladesh.
Asif Ibrahim said Thailand can be a tourism partner in Bangladesh, specially in Chattogram Marine Drive connecting with Noakhali, and resorts and other hotel facilities can be built in those areas by Thai experts.
BTCCI Vice President Md Munir Hossain mentioned that apart from existing sectors such as jute and jute goods, leather, agro, light engineering, etc Bangladesh could add other sectors like RMG, pharmaceuticals, tourism, frozen foods, fisheries, infrastructure, education and training, to work under a joint venture.
