Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Thailand will exceed US$1.0 billion by the end of this calendar year, Thai envoy to Bangladesh said in Dhaka on Thursday.

“The trade between the two countries is increasing every year. The trade volume was U$909.95 million in 2010 and this was 39.10 per cent more compared to the year 2009,” Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Ms Tassanawadee Miancharoen said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day long ’10th Thailand Trade Exhibition Dhaka 2011′ organized jointly by Thai Embassy in Bangladesh and Thai Trade Centre in Dhaka at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capita Dhaka.

Industries Minister Dilip Barua invited Thai entrepreneurs to invest directly or relocate their industries to Bangladesh. He gave the assurance of providing support to them.

“The two countries are now giving priority to expansion of the existing cooperation especially in the areas of trade, investment, energy, infrastructure development, tourism and agriculture. The people-to-people contact between the two countries is also expanding,” he added.

About 43 Thai manufacturers and exporters with 50 booths are exhibiting different products like auto parts, accessories, hardware, agricultural goods, garments, fashion accessories, health, beauty herbal, household and stationary items and kitchenwares.

The fair will remain open until April 9 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm everyday.

BBN/SSR/AD-08Apr11-1:22 am (BST)