Deputy PM Somkit & delegates to visit Japan to enhance bilateral relations

BANGKOK, 6 November 2015 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will lead a group of Thai delegates to visit Japan at the end of this month in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations.

Mr Somkit said the visit will provide an opportunity for the two countries to discuss expanding trade relations.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Apiradee Tantraporn met with Japanese Ambassador Shiro Sadoshima this week to discuss the two country’s economic cooperation and the upcoming visit and meeting between the Thai and Japanese deputy prime ministers in Japan, from November 25 to 28. The meeting will be the first time the deputy prime ministers of the two cabinets will have met in addition to other cabinet meetings. She also revealed that Thailand has requested that the deputy prime ministers of the two countries continue to meet to follow up on investment projects. Furthermore, Mr Somkit is also slated to visit the Japanese Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s office to discuss Thailand’s participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

In addition, Department of Trade Negotiations Director-General Sirinart Chaimun, has revealed that Japan has requested that Thailand increase its import quota for steel to be used in the automotive industry. Under the current Japan–Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), Thailand has agreed to import 530,000 tons of steel per year from Japan, out of its total demand of over one million tons. Mrs Sirinart said Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce will discuss with the committee on steel product imports, the possibility of increasing the quota. Meanwhile Thailand has urged Japan to increase its import quota of pork, mangoes and limes. In particular, Thailand has requested that the quota for pork be increased from 1,200 tons to 12,000 tons.

-- NNT 2015-11-07

Advice to all those heading off to the conference, prior to check in, check your medicine bag for small arms