Thailand intends to sign Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan

[batmannow]

Thailand intends to sign Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan: FM
Updated: 2013-01-10 19:44:00
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/xinhua/2013-01-10/content_8000714.html
(Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, January 10 (Xinhua) -- Thailand intends to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan to further promote bilateral trade and economic relations, Foreign Minister of Thailand Surapong Tovichakchaikul said in Islamabad on Thursday, local media reported.
In a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Asharf, he said Thailand is committed to further enhance the trade and bilateral relations with Pakistan, the volume of which is presently around 1 billion U.S. dollars.
Surapong Tovichakchaikul, also the Thai Deputy Prime Minister, informed Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf that he would be meeting prominent business leaders of Pakistan Thursday night to explore avenues of cooperation, a statement from the prime minister office said.
Later addressing a joint press conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, he said that a joint study has already been conducted for the feasibility of the free trade agreement between the two countries.
The two sides also discussed inauguration of Pakistan-Thailand joint business forum to promote bilateral trade and investment.
Describing talks with his Pakistani counterpart as fruitful, the Thai foreign minister said that both sides are satisfied with the trade volume between the two countries and want to further speed up this process in future.
He said joint economic commission will meet soon to formulate concrete measures for the enhancement of bilateral economic and trade relations.
The Thai foreign minister said both the countries have also agreed to enhance their security and defense cooperation. The two sides have agreed to enhance cooperation to combat terrorism and other international crimes through increased intelligence sharing.
He said Thailand will soon host the third meeting on the security cooperation to discuss issues relating to terrorism and other crimes.
Appreciating Pakistan's constructive role in the region, he said Thailand are ready to work closely with Pakistan for the benefit of the region.
He assured that his country will continue to extend support to Pakistan in the social sector development.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said on the occasion that both the countries enjoy excellent relations and trade volume has surpassed the 1 billion U.S. dollars mark last year.
She said joint trade committee has been tasked to speed up work on the finalization of free trade agreement which will be mutually beneficial for the two countries.
Both the countries are committed to institutionalize their relations and in this regard joint economic commission of the two countries will meet next month. The commission's meeting will discuss ways and means to further augment bilateral relations in the areas of trade, defense and security.
She said the two countries are also close to signing two agreements. One relates to the exemption of diplomatic visa while the other will be signed between the foreign services academy of the two countries.
"There is a dire need to evolve a mechanism for promoting people to people contacts between Pakistan and Thailand," she said, "56,000 people visited Thailand last year as tourists."
Thailand is an important country of ASEAN and Pakistan attaches great importance to becoming full dialogue member of this organization, she said.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Good move for Pakistani traders , Pakistani rice will no doubt be quite popular in Thailand area

 

[batmannow]

Good move for Pakistani traders , Pakistani rice will no doubt be quite popular in Thailand area

friend,
thailand is the one of biggest exporter of rice itself, but defence corporation & many other industries!
but i am holding my rubber stocks anyway!

 

[BATMAN]

Please introduce Thailand . I have only been to Bangkok once, long ago and bought silk clothes. Gems and had my hair cut.

 

[UmarJustice]

Pakistan, Thailand to enhance trade, tourism, defence ties

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Thailand on Thursday agreed to further enhance their bilateral relations in various fields, including trade and economic cooperation, tourism, and defence.

It was agreed during a meeting between the two countries held here at Foreign Office in which Pakistan side was led by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar while Thai side was led by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Thailand Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is on an official visit to Pakistan from 9-11 January 2013 at the invitation of Khar, Thursday called on the prime minister and held talks with Foreign Minister Khar. The two foreign ministers held in-depth discussion on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the ways and means to further expand and deepen these relations in various areas.

Khar recalled the highly successful visit of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to Pakistan in March 2012. Her visit opened a new chapter in the history of Royal visits from Thailand to Pakistan. The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction at the current state of bilateral relations. They emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, investments, education, tourism, science & technology, security, counternarcotics, people-to-people contacts and defence.

The ministers recognised that Pakistan's "Vision East Asia" and Thailand's "Look West" policy complemented each other. Further, the geographical location of Pakistan and Thailand in South Asia and East Asia, respectively, was a major factor that could contribute to the enhancement of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the current volume of bilateral trade, which had crossed US $ 1 billion mark. They looked forward to the visit of the Thai Commerce Minister to Pakistan in February this year for the inaugural session of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC). The foreign minister of Thailand welcomed Pakistan's decision to host the 3rd session of Pakistan-Thailand Joint Economic Commission in Islamabad later this year.

The two sides noted the strong cultural linkage between Pakistan and Thailand. Being home to a number of Buddhist sites and Gandhara civilization, Pakistan is a natural source of attraction for religious tourists from Thailand.

The Pakistan side expressed interest in holding a Gandhara Exhibition in Thailand in collaboration with the Thai Government. The idea was welcomed by the Thai side.

The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over cooperation in the regional and international forums such as the ACD, ASEM, ARF, ASEAN and the United Nations. Foreign Minister Khar requested Thailand for its continued support to Pakistan's bid for Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN. The Pakistan side reiterated its invitation to Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand to visit Pakistan. The Thai delegation will visit Taxila and places of interest in Islamabad.

Addressing a joint press conference, the two foreign minister expressed their satisfaction agreed to convene the meeting of Joint Trade Commission very soon. Khar said the trade between the two countries has crossed one billion dollars mark this year and expressed the hope that with the meeting of Joint Trade Commission, the trade relations would be further improved.

She said although it was the first ever visit of any Thai Foreign Minister to Pakistan in last ten years, but the two countries have very strong relations and commonality of views on all regional and international issues.

The meeting of Joint Trade Commission will lead to the negotiations for Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, she added.

The Commerce and Trade Minister of Thailand will visit Pakistan next month to further promote trade ties, she added.

Khar said both the countries have also agreed to further cooperate and enhance security dialogue, discuss visa liberal regime, and exchange training programmes at Foreign Office Training Academy.

She said Pakistan and Thailand have also very strong bonds and shared heritage due to Gandhara civilization adding that there is scope for improving religious tourism from Thailand to Pakistan.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Surapong Tovichakchaikul while addressing the press conference said both the countries celebrated 60 years of their bilateral relations last year and Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited Pakistan last year.

Expressing satisfaction on the meeting with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khan, and terming it fruitful, the Thai Foreign Minister highlighted five points for bilateral relations.

He said it is great satisfaction that bilateral trade has cross the one billion dollar mark this year but still there is room for further enhancing this trade.

He said there has been direct investment from Thailand to Pakistan and expressed the hope it will be further increased in near future. He said the Joint Trade Commission of the two countries will meet very soon to further enhance bilateral trade.

The Thai Foreign Minister said during last year, 56,000 Pakistani visited Thailand that indicated that there has been strong connectivity between the two countries adding that due to Gandhara civilization, there is a scope of religious tourism from Thailand to Pakistan. He said Pakistan could be a gateway for Thailand to improve trade links with Afghanistan and other countries.

On the security issue, the Thai Foreign Minister said both the countries have agreed to further enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

He said Thailand will host third meeting of combating terrorism by end of this month. He however appreciated Pakistan's role in regional stability and fighting terrorism.


Pakistan, Thailand to enhance trade, tourism, defence ties | The Nation

 

[Sedqal]

Please introduce Thailand . I have only been to Bangkok once, long ago and bought silk clothes. Gems and had my hair cut.

Haha Batman jee nai import karanay ka irada hai

 

[batmannow]

Haha Batman jee nai import karanay ka irada hai

tey fir tenu import karan ?

 

[batmannow]

Please introduce Thailand . I have only been to Bangkok once, long ago and bought silk clothes. Gems and had my hair cut.

Economy
Economy of Thailand | Asian Development Bank
Recovering from last year’s damaging floods, Thailand's economy grew by 2.3% in the first half of this year, supported by fiscal stimulus and lower interest rates. Investment and private consumption rebounded from a steep drop late in 2011 when flooding disrupted the economy. However, exports were virtually flat compared with the first half of 2011 owing to sluggish export demand and the incomplete restoration of some factories damaged during the floods.

Domestic demand is projected to remain robust through the forecast period. Investment will be bolstered by government plans for public investment on flood prevention and water management funded by off-budget borrowing. Fiscal and monetary policies are expected to be supportive of economic growth.

Economic Indicators 2011 - Thailand
GDP growth (% change per year) 0.1
CPI (% change per year) 3.8
Unemployment rate (%) 0.7
Fiscal balance (% of GDP) (1.5)
Export growth (% change per year) 16.4
Import growth (% change per year) 24.7
Current account balance (% of GDP) 3.4
( ) = negative, CPI = consumer price index, GDP = gross domestic product
Sources: ADB. 2012. Asian Development Outlook 2012. Manila; ADB staff estimates; World Bank. 2012. World Development Indicators Online.

External demand is weaker than anticipated in the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2012 released in April, and the outlook for Thailand’s major trading partners is downgraded from April in the ADO 2012 Update. The economy is still expected to record solid growth in 2012 and 2013, but the forecasts are lowered mainly owing to external weakness.

During the floods prices rose for food and other goods temporarily in short supply. By August this year, inflation had abated to 2.7%, which was lower than anticipated. Inflation projections for the full year, as well as for 2013, are trimmed from those in the ADO 2012.

Forecasts of the current account are revised down a little owing to the weakness in exports. In addition to the soft demand for some manufactured exports, rice exports have slumped. A government program to support farmers by purchasing unmilled rice at prices above the market has reduced the competitiveness of Thai rice and left the government holding large stockpiles.

Source: ADB. 2012. Asian Development Outlook 2012 Update. Manila.

Golden year for auto industry
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Golden-year-for-auto-industry-30195275.html

Kanittha Pantong
The Nation November 30, 2012 1:00 am

With 2m-vehicle production mark broken, sector aims for 3m



This year can certainly be considered the golden year for Thailand's automobile industry.

Just grab a look at these figures: apart from achieving a new sales record of an expected 1.4 million vehicles, 2012 also marks the first year that the industry has broken the 2-million-vehicle production mark.

Auto exports from Thailand this year is estimated at Bt1 trillion, making the auto industry the biggest earning industry, with 1-tonne pickup trucks and eco-cars as the mainstream products, as well as auto parts and components.

Watching this growth trend, many are already eyeing the 3-million-vehicle production mark for the auto industry.

The Industry Ministry along with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Auto Industry and the Auto Parts Industry Club of the FTI, Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA), Board of Investment (BoI) and the Thai Automotive Institution (TAI) recently celebrated the 2-million-vehicle production success and is eyeing production of 3 million vehicles in 2017.

FTI president Payungsak Chartsuthipol said the auto sector has grown into a strong industry with continuous support from the government and private sectors that jointly drove the whole industry forward.

"While the government came out with [positive] policies, the private sector carried them out and helped raise competitiveness at the global level. The result is becoming of the world's top 10 auto-producing countries," he said.

The auto industry accounts for 10 per cent of the country's GDP and Thailand is expected to secure the world No 10 position in auto production as the year ends. The country is already ranked 6th in the world for auto and auto parts exports.

It is expected that by the end of 2012, total auto and auto parts exports from Thailand would exceed Bt1 trillion - 1 million automobiles worth Bt600 billion and parts worth another Bt400 billion. Indeed, this makes the automotive industry the top exporter of the country.

Today, Thailand has 2,500 factories for auto assembly plants, auto parts and related industries. In 2012, the investments made by the auto and auto parts industries through the BoI amounted to more than Bt202 billion, up 95 per cent from last year.

In terms of technology, an important factor in automotive industry development, research and development centres have been set up by major auto and auto parts producers. There are no less than nine R&D centres in the country that help transfer production and industrial management technology. This helps Thailand to develop its production quality and match the quality of the world's leading countries under the "Made in Thailand" badge.

In social and environmental issues, the auto industry has also played an important role in raising the quality of life and of society, through development of its workforce. In addition, it has contributed to the development of transport and has spread development to rural areas.

The auto industry has also been at the forefront in raising environmental awareness. It stated with production of automobiles and parts with Euro standards and emissions that match international standards. It has also been continuously developing eco-friendly technology as well as staging social and environmental activities.

At the Motor Expo today, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will preside over the "2 Million Units of the Thai Automobile Industry: A New Dimension to Global Success" event, and deliver a special speech. The event will be held at the Royal Jubilee Ballroom, Challenger Hall, Muangthong Thani.

An exhibition displaying 50 years of the Thai auto industry will also be staged at the entrance to Challenger Hall.



Meeting the 3m-vehicle challenge

Suparat Sirisuwannangkura, chairman of the Automobile Industry Club, Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), talked to The Nation about the scenario and direction of the Thai automotive industry.

"Although the East Japan Quake and the Great Thai Flood in 2011 had caused 350,000 automobiles to vanish from the system, and prevented Thailand from achieving production of 2 million vehicles, the exceptionally high growth, both in the production and sales sectors in 2012, is pushing total auto production past the 2.2-million-vehicle mark," he said.

"But the important thing is to create stability for Thailand as the auto production centre of Asia and make it last", he pointed out. "In the past, the Thai auto industry has seen more than Bt100 billion in R&D investments from auto companies and auto-parts makers.

"The future challenge is the 3-million-vehicle production target in 2017 to supply Asia-Pacific and global markets," Suparat said. "It is highly possible that Thailand would replace other countries as auto exporters due to the strong foundation of the Thai auto industry as a whole. This also includes the auto parts industry, and that is the next step in creating sustainability for the Thai auto industry on the global stage."

He said that another positive domestic factor that created demand for automobiles is economic growth, and the Thai government's plan to invest in basic infrastructures for the public at urban areas. This would help spur demand for automobiles since people need transportation to and from the city. Meanwhile, growth in the agricultural sector and the government's short-term stimulus programmes such as the First Car Buyer Programme also contributed to the growth. This would raise the vehicle ownership ratio in Thailand to 5-6 people for every vehicle against 7-8 at present. In Japan it's two cars per person.

"In 2012 we will produce more than 2 million vehicles and in five years we will beat that by another million," Suparat said. "This is a quicker plan than in 2005 when we made 1 million vehicles, he said. It took seven years to achieve the second million because manufacturers had to face a large number of obstacles including the tsunami and flood in 2011, as well as the financial crisis."

Due to the positive factors mentioned, Thailand should make use of the economic growth in Asia while Europe and the US are stagnant, and move forward in supporting the automobile industry. Moreover, the start of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 will provide even more opportunities. The AEC is another factor that will help drive the Thai economy forward, he added.

 

[batmannow]

 

[batmannow]

 

[batmannow]

 

[batmannow]

Please introduce Thailand . I have only been to Bangkok once, long ago and bought silk clothes. Gems and had my hair cut.

look bangkok these days sir!

http://images.nationalgeographic.co.../000/000/cache/bangkok-traffic_77_600x450.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/586/333338742066d1ba67dbb1.jpg

 

[batmannow]

 

[batmannow]

 

[Umair Nawaz]

i think we should go ahead with it,
No questions asked.........