BANGKOK, 28 November 2014 – Thai Commerce Minister discussed with Laos Ambassador to Thailand on aims to strengthen relations in various aspects.
The Minister of Commerce, Gen Chatchai Sarikalya, has revealed that he has met with Laos Ambassador to Thailand, Ly Bounkham, and discussed on various subjects.
According to the Commerce Minister, Thailand has put priority on border-area trades. The Thai government has planned to establish a special economic zone along the Thai-Laos border with a pilot area in Mukdahan province, which is at the opposite side of the Savannakhet city of Laos.
The Commerce Minister has stated that Thailand and Loas must grow together as partners. Thailand is now considering the upgrade of transportation that will facilitate trade between Thailand, Laos and China. The project is expected to start construction in 2016.
He has also added that Thailand has proposed activities that would encourage cooperation between the five countries under the GMS framework, which includes Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Southern China.
The activities will require further planning and discussions. For this matter, Thailand might start the discussion with Laos then further extend to other countries.
The Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos PDR have had five cooperation conferences in the past, of which Thailand will be the host of the sixth conference early next year.
