BRUSSELS, Mar 7 – Thailand will hold urgent negotiations with the European Union (EU) on a voluntary partnership on good governance in forestry and increasing trade cooperation, according to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The Thai premier, ending her four-day visit to Sweden and Belgium today, said Olarn Chaiprawat, leader of the Thai trade delegation, has been assigned to head the negotiations.
Ms Yingluck officially received a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate from European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso for Thai premium “Hom Mali” (jasmine) rice from the Thung Kula Rong Hai farming area in Thailand’s Northeast.
She expressed hope that Thai high-quality coffee from Doi Chang and Doi Tung in northern Thailand will also be awarded GI seals.
Hailing the successful European trip, the premier said Thailand has made a progress in trade and investment agreement and strengthened cooperation with the EU.
Suranand Vejjajiva, secretary general to the prime minister, said the Thai government aims at boosting fair trade between Thailand and the EU to promote Thai exports to the continent.
