NONTHABURI, Dec 2 (TNA) — Thailand discussed close cooperation on milk cow farming with New Zealand and also invited the latter to invest in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, said she co-chaired the Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Joint Commission (TNZCEP JC) in Bangkok on Nov 28 and 29 to follow up benefits from a bilateral free trade agreement sealed in 2005.
According to her, the FTA raised the value of bilateral trade from US$567 million in 2004 to US$2.39 billion last year, rising by 321%. Thailand exported its products worth US$1.67 billion to New Zealand and imported New Zealand products worth US$639 million.
Besides, the meeting discussed economic cooperation projects including training for Thai milk cow farmers. The project started in March and will continue until 2021. Thai farmers have been trained at farms in New Zealand and New Zealand specialists have visited Thailand to share their knowledge and experiences to improve efficiency in cow raising and milk production in Thailand.
Ms Auramon also said that the meeting discussed possible cooperation on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, organic farming and circular economy. As well, Thailand invited New Zealand to invest in the Eastern Economic Corridor through the industries in which New Zealand excels including modern agriculture and food innovation.
In the first 10 months of this year, bilateral trade was valued at US$1.95 billion comprising Thai exports worth US$1.31 billion and imports from New Zealand worth US$602 million. Main exports included automobiles and parts, air-conditioners, plastic pellets and rubber products. Imports included dairy products, vegetables, fruits, paper, frozen aquatic animals and meat. (TNA)
