Tuesday, 12th February 2013 – Karachi The honorable Consul General of Thailand Mr. Wichai Sirisujin visited the Chamber and commerce and Industry today, he reiterated that despite of some negative depiction of Pakistan’s image in the media, the Thai businesspersons are keen in developing business relationship with Pakistani counterparts.
During his visit to KCCI, the Thai diplomat agreed that there is a huge potential of trade between Pakistan & Thailand which is not being exploited, therefore, promotion of economic and commercial activities is essential between the two countries.
He has requested the Thai Commerce Minister to also visit Karachi during his forthcoming visit to Islamabad, he informed. He stated that a Thai Halal Food Exhibition is also planned at Karachi. He was of the view that Pak-Thai bilateral trade should is equally favorable for both countries.
Replying to questions of Managing Committee Members he stated that opportunities of investment and technical collaboration in food processing, rice and religious tourism exist in Thailand. Many Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar have been provided temporary refuge. Thai policy does not allow to keep refugees for long time, he told. Pakistan and Thailand have identified many areas of bilateral cooperation within ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Economic & Social Commission of Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), he said. He appreciated the role of KCCI for promotion of commercial and industrial activities and desired to work closely with President KCCI.
Speaking on the occasion Muhammad Haroon Agar, President KCCI urged to explore the opportunities of signing Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Thailand in view of existing tremendous trading potential. Exchanging views with the Consul General of Thailand Wichai Sirisujin during his visit to KCCI also proposed Thai Consulate’s & KCCI’s Halal Food Pavilion in the 10th My-Karachi Exhibition 2013.
He also extended invitation to Thai Companies through the Thai Consul General to participate in the 10th International “My-Karachi, Oasis of Harmony Exhibition” scheduled to be held in July 2013. He stated that to further explore bilateral trade prospects; there is need for frequent exchange of delegations and data-based information on trade and markets and holding of single country exhibitions. He stated that a KCCI’s delegation is planned under his lead to visit Thailand and two other ASEAN countries in the next month.
The Pakistani community in Thailand are contributing efforts to enhance the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Thailand. The existing close ties between government and people of the two friendly countries provide an opportunity to look ahead for further strengthening this bond. There is a great opportunity in Pakistan to promote Buddhist Tourism which can be a centre of attraction for Thai Tourist. Thailand can help developing tourist resorts and tours either as joint ventures or through consultative inputs. Thailand can support and help Pakistan in consultative inputs or through joints ventures in Halal Food processing, automobiles, gems and jewellery and agricultural value-added products. Top five imports from Thailand are auto parts, yarn, fibre & fabric, polymer, chemical products, iron and steel products, air-conditioners and its parts while top five exports to Thailand are seafood, yarn, fiber & fabric, machinery, vegetables and related products, textile products. He apprised about Karachi Chamber’s vital role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and to promote trade and industry in Karachi and elsewhere. He on behalf of KCCI also assured best cooperation and support to fortify bilateral trade and relations between Thailand and Pakistan.
Arif Suleman, Honorary Trade Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce Thailand, Majyd Aziz, former President KCCI, Shamim Firpo, Senior Vice President KCCI, Nasir Mehmood, Vice President and Managing Committee Members of KCCI also participated in the meeting.
