Conflicts in Syria have not affected Thailand

NONTHABURI, April 18 (TNA) -- Thailand has not been directly affected by conflicts in Syria and a trade dispute between China and the United States but it has prepared to cope with possible impacts in the future, according the Commerce Ministry. Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara said unrest in Syria had not affected Thai trade and Thai security authorities did not expect the situation to escalate. Meanwhile, the trade conflict between China and the US had not had any impact on Thailand either. However, Ms Chutima, said any measures or actions from the world economic powers could affect such a small country as Thailand. The Commerce Ministry was monitoring situations closely and already prepared measures to cope, she said. The Commerce Ministry was looking for new markets and working to prevent the influxes of products from other countries that would otherwise affect local products and industries, Miss Chutima said. Besides, the Commerce Ministry was developing economic partnerships with India and supporting Thai investment there as there were considerable trade, investment and tourism opportunities in India, she said. She also said that India was interested in developing Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor for seeing its investment potential. The value of Thai-Indian trade was estimated at US$10.38 billion last year, growing by 34% from the previous year, Ms Chutima said. (TNA)