The Philippines has shown interest towards importing more agricultural
products from Thailand after a bilateral meeting between the
leaders of both countries.
According to the
National News Bureau of Thailand, during a joint press conference held
after a meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III of the Philippines
, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed confidence that her
official Jan. 19 visit to the Philippines will contribute to
strengthening ties between the two nations.
She
also requested the Philippines to facilitate investment procedures
for the Thai private sector and to solve the issue of double taxation,
which has been a major obstacle for Thai businesses wishing to invest in
the island country.
Additionally, the two
parties agreed on the topic of food security while the Philippines
expressed interest in increasing its import of agricultural products
from Thailand , especially rice and fruits. Thus, Yingluck has
invited the Filipino Agriculture Minister to visit Thailand for
further discussions on import possibilities and measures to reduce trade
barriers.
The Filipino President stated that
the Philippines is ready to reinforce both its bilateral and
multilateral cooperation with Thailand , particularly in trade and
investment. He added that the Philippines will proceed with the
reduction of barriers to facilitate commerce between the two nations./.