The leaders of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) has urged Thailand to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh as part of efforts to increase bilateral trade.

BTCCI President Shams Mahmud made the call in a meeting with Makawadee Sumitmor, Thai ambassador to Bangladesh, at the Thailand embassy in Dhaka on May 30.

Mahmud, who led a team of the chamber, also suggested for easing the rules of Thai visa for Bangladeshi people so that businesses can go for more joint ventures.

The Thai envoy assured the business leaders to work on the proposals placed by BTCCI and ease the process for Thai visa.

The BTCCI president also requested Thai officials to start importing new products from Bangladesh, such as pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, leather, garment items and ceramics.

Md Munir Hossain, senior vice-president of the BTCCI, and Abdul Kasem Khan, director, also attended the meeting.