Summary PM Nawaz Sharif and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra held a joint conference on Monday.
BANGKOK (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan desires to comprehensively upgrade the already cordial relations with Thailand in all areas of cooperation.
Addressing a joint news conference with his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday, the PM said consolidation of ties with Thailand has been important component of Pakistan s vision of Look East which complements Thailand s policy of Look West.
He referred to the visit of the Thai Prime Minister to Pakistan in August this year and said it provided momentum to our bilateral ties. Important decisions were taken during the visit to enhance and diversify bilateral cooperation including establishment of a Joint Trade Committee and Joint Business Council.
Nawaz Sharif said they had comprehensive discussions on a full range of issues covering wide areas including collaboration in trade and investment; infrastructure development‚ science and technology‚ defense‚ education and tourism.
He said the two countries expressed satisfaction over the progress made in various domains and agreed to the need to further consolidate and expand them for their mutual benefit.
The PM said economic and trade relations are high priority on his agenda. He said bilateral trade has recently crossed the one billion dollar mark but it is desire of Pakistan to double it by 2018.
He said he has invited Thai private businesses to invest in Pakistan s various sectors including infrastructure development‚ energy‚ auto parts manufacturing‚ food processing‚ packaging‚ gems and jewelry‚ and tourism industry. Pakistan Government will extend all facilities to Thai investors.
The PM emphasized that greater connectivity is critical to facilitate trade and investment and to this end Pakistan and Thailand would utilize each other s geo-strategic location. He said people to people contacts are one of the most important aspects of our relations.
He said during their talks the two countries agreed to enhance and deepen cooperation in regional and multilateral framework. He appreciated Thailand s consistent support for Pakistan s enhanced partnership with ASEAN.
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said they had very productive meeting and agreed to further expand cooperation in various fields including economy‚ security and cultural areas.
She said Thailand reciprocates Pakistan s desire to double trade volume by 2018. She said both sides are working together for new investment opportunities.
The Thai PM said her country wants promotion of trade and investment links with Pakistan. She said Thai private companies would make investment in Pakistan s energy sector.
Yingluck Shinawatra appreciated Pakistan s contribution to Connect Asia Pacific Summit.
