Thailand is scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka and announce the first round of Thailand-Sri Lanka free trade agreement (FTA) talks this week.
Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department, was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's official visit to Sri Lanka on July 12-13, Thailand will sign an MoU on a strategic partnership with the country, hoping to raise bilateral trade value to UScopy.5 billion (49.8 billion baht) in 2020.
Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyaphaphasara is expected to represent Thailand at the MoU, which will be signed along with Malik Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka's development strategies and international trade minister.
The strategic partnership covers 10 sectors: investment, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, gems and jewellery, tourism, small and medium-sized business development, financial cooperation, packaging and information technology development. Mrs Auramon said the cabinet Tuesday endorsed the MoU.
Mrs Auramon said Sri Lanka's president will host a bilateral meeting with the Thai prime minister and officially announce the first round of FTA talks.
The United States has told Sri Lanka that the disposition of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew is a matter for Colombo to resolve under its own laws and international obligations, while signalling it is in active talks with Sri Lanka to contain Iran’s threat to US interests.
The government today granted permission for an Iranian warship with 208 on board to enter the country.
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