Thailand-Sri Lanka strategic partnership MoU scheduled

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.