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Published on September 26, 2007

He will also meet with Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet, and Thailand's investment regulations will be on the agenda. Two hundred representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises - along with some from larger companies - in the agriculture and food-processing, rubber, tea, infrastructure, transport, energy, construction, textile, furniture and airlines and tourism sectors will meet potential business partners in Bangkok next Monday to Wednesday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

"Thai industries are a perfect match for Indian businesses to create joint ventures in both countries and third destinations," said Chutima Bunyapraphasara, director-general of Thailand's Trade Negotiations Department.

The delegation's visit is part of bilateral attempts to accelerate trade and tourism.

Both nations want bilateral trade to exceed US$50 billion (Bt1.71 trillion) next year.

In the first seven months of the year, trade increased 32 per cent to $3.6 billion. Thailand has a trade surplus with India.

Imports from India grew 25.7 per cent to $1.1 billion, while exports to India jumped 65.9 per cent to $1.49 billion in the first seven months of the year.

Last year, almost 500,000 Indian travellers visited Thailand, while more than 33,000 Thais went the other way. This number is expected to increase gradually.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai, The Nation