On 21 October 2011, Mr. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul. In this regard, the Ambassador congratulated the Foreign Minister upon his assumption of duty and expressed his condolences regarding flood situation in Thailand. The Bangladeshi Ambassador also commended the Thai Prime Minister and the Thai Government for the hard work in coping with the flood situation.
In this connection, the Ambassador highlighted the development of economic cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh in various sectors, especially agriculture, fishery and livestock. The Ambassador also noted that although the trade volume between the two countries is still low, Bangladesh is a potential market for Thailand due to the fact that ten per cent of its population is high income group. Presently, consumer goods from Thailand are also popular in Bangladesh due to their high standard and quality. Moreover, Thai private sector and the Government of Bangladesh are working closely together, especially in the elevated expressway construction project in Dhaka, which is the Government’s biggest construction project costing about USD 2 billion.
Foreign Minister Surapong informed the Ambassador that he was pleased to see the two countries’ close and cordial relations, and expressed his appreciation for the support of the Government of Bangladesh given to the “Development of Children in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh” project under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Surapong noted that in 2012 Thailand and Bangladesh would celebrate their forty years of diplomatic relations. Both sides, therefore, should consider to jointly arrange activities to mark this special occasion.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th