May 30, 2003	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 27,1424

KARACHI, May 29: Consul General of Thailand Praphat Chantaharan has stressed for unified efforts by South East Asian countries to compete western countries in exports particularly the exports of rice and other grains.

He was talking to president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo at the chamber on Thursday and emphasised the need for enhanced bilateral trade between the two countries.

He said the proposal already discussed between Pakistan and Thai governments regarding establishment of a consortium of rice exporting countries comprising Pakistan, Thailand, India, Philippines and Vietnam and suggested that its finalization without further delay.

He expressed concern on insignificant volume of trade between the two countries and pledged that the Thai Consulate would suggest new measures for improvement in trade.

The consul general said the visits of Thai premier to Pakistan and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister to his country in the recent past had paved the way for increase in bilateral trade.

They both agreed that trade delegations be exchanged frequently so that liaison between the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries be established.

Memorandum of understanding be initiated between the two countries for enhancement of trade for which Thai Consulate in Karachi would prepare recommendations in consultation with the KCCI, Chantaharan said.

Nasser Maggo told the consul general that KCCI was planning to send a large trade delegation to Thailand, China and Indonesia in August this year.—APP