Thailand and Peru plan FTA talks

LIMA, Nov 25 (TNA) - Thailand and Peru are exploring a possibl bilateral free trade pact as the Peruvian government would like to see see the surged trading between the two countries, according to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Mr. Somchai officially visited Peru after the close of the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Arriving at the presidential palace on Monday afternoon, Mr. Somchai was
received with military honours and was greeted by Peruvian President Alan
Garcia.

The Peruvian leader awarded him the Order of the Sun of Peru (El Sol del
Peru) and then both men proceeded to hold bilateral talks in a wide range
issues, particularly trade and investment.

The Thai Premier told reporters after the meeting that he thanked Peru's
leader for the hospitality during his stay in Lima for the APEC summit.

Mr. Somchai said he disscussed the possibility of establishing a bilateral
Free Trade Area (FTA) agreement.

The parties also explored the feasibility to direct flights between
Bangkok and Lima as a mechanism to boost trade and investment.

Thailand at present enjoys a trade deficit in relation to Peru, and Mr.
Garcia urged thrThai government to support further trade between the two
countries.

Meanwhile, Mr. Garcia said he had fruitful talks with the Thai prime
minister and he had encouraged Thai businessmen to invest more in Peru and
to hold a Thai trade exposition here. He also planned to visit Thailand
next year.

Mr. Somchai has left Peru and is scheduled to return to Bangkok Wednesday
at noon.