Thailand and EU forge closer business ties

[Lite Beer]

SME, TOURISM
Thailand and EU forge closer business ties
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and the European Union (EU) have strengthened ties in small and medium enterprise (SME) policy dialogue and sustainable tourism, a move aimed at improving business relations and links between the two sides.

Antonio Tajani, vice president of the European Commission and Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, was in Bangkok yesterday to sign Letters of Intent to promote closer business ties, with Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk and Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak.

The signing ceremony followed a meeting between Tajani and Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, during which they discussed sustainable growth, industrial policy and innovation.

Tajani was in Thailand to promote the European Commission's three "Missions for Growth" for the Asean region, which also includes Vietnam and Myanmar. The EU delegation included 40 companies and business associations from EU member states, eager to cash in on the fast-growing region ahead of the Asean Economic Community, which commences in 2016. Nearly half of the business delegates were SMEs. Thailand is considered one of the most advanced economies in Asean with a business-friendly environment for foreign firms looking to expand in the region.

Combined turnover of the visiting EU companies was put at 96 billion euros (Bt4 trillion), which have nearly 500,000 employees. In addition, the delegation of business associations represents over 20 million EU companies with a combined turnover of more than 41 billion euros (Bt1.7 trillion).

At the meeting of the two sides yesterday, a business-matching session was organised to promote business networking among the relevant parties.

Tajani said the meeting was an important step in promoting cooperation within the two markets. The two sides will work together to develop best business practices; SME-friendly legislation that promotes SME practices globally; plus sustainable tourism. Tourism was important to the EU, Tajani said. He promised to assist Thailand by advocating a policy that would ease visa application restrictions for Thais visiting the EU

-- The Nation 2013-11-17

[Toscano]

The EU is desperate for export markets , their own internal markets having largely dried up .

European products are expensive in comparison with much cheaper Thai products , so should be good for Thailand .

[Naam]

The EU is desperate for export markets , their own internal markets having largely dried up .

European products are expensive in comparison with much cheaper Thai products , so should be good for Thailand .

you forgot to mention that European products are inferior to the high quality goods manufactured in Thailand

[Bender]

The EU is desperate for export markets , their own internal markets having largely dried up .

European products are expensive in comparison with much cheaper Thai products , so should be good for Thailand .

you forgot to mention that European products are inferior to the high quality goods manufactured in Thailand

Toscano also forget to mention that, emerging market dont need at all a "healthy" Europe/USA.

They can get by themselves a strong growth rate without the rest of the world