Thailand, Sri Lanka confirm expansion of economic cooperation

BANGKOK, Jan 26 (TNA) -- The new Sri Lankan ambassador called on a Prime Minister’s Office Minister and both sides confirmed the two countries would enhance their economic cooperation covering trade, investment and tourism. After the meeting with Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakul said they discussed ideas on increasing bilateral cooperation as the ASEAN Economic Community planned to expand cooperation with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. According to Mr Kobsak, Thailand plans to seal a free trade agreement with Sri Lanka within this year. Besides, Thailand will streamline visa procedures for visiting Sri Lankan investors. Meanwhile, the ambassador encouraged Thailand to increasingly invest in Sri Lanka as Thai investment there was boosting Sri Lankan exports. Most Thai investment in Sri Lanka is in the tourism sector because it has many tourist attractions. Sri Lanka is inviting investment in automotive and electronic industries. Mr Kobsak said that Thailand could use Sri Lanka for exports to India and Bangladesh as the countries had free trade agreements with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka also asked Thailand to train its citizens on the development of local products, Mr Kobsak said. (TNA)