Thai PM confident trade improving between Thailand and Qatar

DOHA, Nov 25 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is paving the way for improved trade channels between Thailand and Qatar during his official three-day visit to this Middle East country, expressing confidence regarding future Qatari investment in Thailand in the future.

Mr Abhisit met his counterpart Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani after arriving Tuesday and the two leaders witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding.

The first relates to the Establishment of the Joint High Commission for Thailand and Qatar, while the other links the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Cooperation in news exchanges and chemical products was strengthened by the signing of two agreements between the Qatar News Agency and MCOT Plc, and Thailand’s SCG (Chemicals) and Qatar Petroleum.

The two leaders spoke to the media together, saying the MoUs and pacts signed would be a key to development in agriculture, energy, investment, and health tourism.

Mr Abhisit thanked the Qatari government for a warm welcome on his first official visit to Qatar to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment joint diplomatic relations.

The Thai prime minister said he appreciated Qatar support of Thai labourers working there, and gave assurances that he would speed up the drafting of an agreement on employment regulations.

Regarding the continuing insurgency in Thailand's three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, Mr Abhisit said Qatar understands the insurgency problem in Thailand’s restive region and supported Thailand’s commitment to resolve the problem and help clarify the issue with the Organization of Islamic Conferences (OIC).

Thailand also proposed that Qatar help develop its agricultural sector in the three southern border provinces, and that Thai energy giant PTT and the Siam Cement Group (SCG) invested in energy in Qatar and negotiated on supplying cheap gas in the future.

Further negotiation will be discussed in the future, said Mr Abhisit, adding that he had also invited the ruler and the prime minister of Qatar to visit Thailand next year.

Mr Abhisit on Wednesday visited Education City, a learning development centre and was granted an audience with ruler H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Thai prime minister will be interviewed by Al Jazeera news channel and meet leading businesspersons as well as visit Thai communities. (TNA)