Thailand, Bhutan to double mutual trade within five years. (Photo: Internet) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The joint trade committee of Thailand and Bhutan has agreed to boost the mutual trade of the two countries in the near future during a meeting in Bangkok.
The meeting, co-chaired by Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn and Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, approved of a plan to double each other’s trade value within five years.
Apiradi disclosed on August 31 that the value of trade between Thailand and Bhutan averaged 25 million USD a year. Bhutan’s new economic development policy paves the way for foreign investments, which will benefit Thai investors in the areas of construction, medicine, tourism and agriculture.
Bhutan has opened four industrial estates near the Indian border, making it possible for Thai business operators to build factories in Bhutan and export their goods to India without duty under the India Bhutan Free Trade Agreement.
Apiradi added the Ministry of Commerce would discuss an investment facilitation plan for Thai businessmen eyeing new markets in Bhutan with the Board of Investment of Thailand.
The delegates from Bhutan are scheduled to visit the Support Arts and Crafts International Center of Thailand tomorrow to study handicraft development there, before proposing a joint skills enhancement and marketing project during a two-year period.-VNA
VNA
