Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi yesterday urged Thailand to simplify the process for Bangladeshis to attain visas and raise the number of visas than what was usually provided.

“I have heard that visa applications of many Bangladeshis, including businesspeople, are being rejected in recent days. I request the Embassy of Thailand in Dhaka to look into the issue,” said Munshi.

Addressing as the chief guest at the opening of Thai Trade Fair 2019 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, he said a good number of businesspeople, tourists and healthcare seekers visit Thailand every year and their numbers have been increasing day by day.

The commerce minister also urged Thailand to boost investment in Bangladesh. Munshi said there was a huge trade gap between the two nations and that should be reduced through Thai investment and increased imports from Bangladesh.

He said there was a good demand for Thai products in Bangladesh as the quality was good.

Kazi M Aminul Islam, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), said Bangladesh was all set for welcoming foreign investment as the government had created a business-friendly environment.

Kraichok Arunpairojkul, charge d'affaires of the Thai embassy in Bangladesh, said Thai hospitals provided world-class treatment while the country's manufacturers ensured quality of products.     

The embassy and the commerce ministry of Thailand are organising the four-day fair where some 76 exhibitors, comprising Thai and Bangladeshi companies and local entities which import Thai products and act as agents of Thai companies, will showcase products.

The products include those for beauty and wellness and the household, bedding accessories, spa, electrical appliances, stationary, fresh fruit, food, textile and fabric, lingerie, handbag, jewellery, confectionary, decorative items and baby products. The fair will remain open for all from 10am to 8pm.

Mohammad Shahjahan Khan, president of Bangladesh Thailand Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Subsak Dangboonrueng, minister councilor of the Thai embassy, and Moazzem Hossen, assistant director (food and beverage) of the Sonargaon hotel, were present.