Thailand and the United Kingdom will initiate the establishment of
“Strategic Dialogue” as a new mechanism to strengthen bilateral relations and
cooperation.
The issue will be discussed and approved by the Prime Ministers of both
countries during the official visit of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to
the United Kingdom on 12-14 November 2012.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague recently paid a visit to Thailand to
discuss preparations for Prime Minister Yingluck’s visit to the United Kingdom
and the opportunities of increasing bilateral trade and investment. He also
presided over the signing of an anti-corruption pledge by a number of British
companies in Thailand and Thailand’s Coalition against Corruption.
Concerning the Thailand-UK Strategic Dialogue, both countries shared the
view that the new mechanism should hold a meeting each year. Thailand has
offered to host the first meeting of the dialogue. Among European Union
countries, the United Kingdom comprises the largest group of foreign investors
in Thailand. About one million tourists from the United Nations visit Thailand
each year. Thailand urged the United Kingdom to support ASEAN and to regard
Thailand as its gateway to this region. In addition, they share views on the
importance of developing English language skills for Thais.
During her visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Yingluck will be
accompanied by representatives of the private sector, who will explore trade
opportunities with their UK counterparts. On this occasion, the President of
Thailand Trade Representative, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Olarn
Chaipravat, is leading a group of Thai rice exporters and officials from the
Department of Foreign Trade to visit London from 11 to 16 November.
Mr. Olarn said that he had been assigned by the Prime Minister to help
promote the marketing of high-quality Thai rice, especially Hom Mali Rice and
organic rice. London has been selected as the first country for the promotional
campaign for Thai rice, coinciding with the official visit of the Prime
Minister to the United Kingdom.
On 13 November, Prime Minister Yingluck will deliver a keynote address on
“Thailand: Unparalleled Opportunities” during a luncheon with British and Thai
business people at the Grosvenor House Hotel. On the following day, she is
scheduled to preside over the opening of the Thai Rice and Thai Select fair at
the TESCO store in Kennington.
Mr. Olarn said that the campaign for Thai rice is aimed at making Thai rice
better known among European consumers, now that Thai Hom Mali rice is already
popular among Asians. The group of Thai rice exporters will meet and discuss
the matter with members of the London Rice Brokers Association, which has
networks in other European markets and Africa. The discussion will pave the way
for the expansion of Hom Mali rice markets to various countries in Europe,
Africa, and even the Middle East.
(thailand.prd.go.th)
