September 20, 2006	Wednesday	Sha'aban 26, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Sept 19: Pakistan and Thailand will hold the third round of joint study group (JSG) meeting this week on the feasibility of the FTA between the two countries. An official told Dawn on Tuesday that an 8-member high-level Thai delegation led by director general of Trade Negotiations of the commerce ministry Chana Kanaratanadilok will arrive here on Wednesday.

During their stay technical teams of the two countries would exchange views on the contents of the chapters prepared by the researchers of two sides for JSG.

It would be followed by an analysis of the bilateral trade for last five years. Identification of trade complementarities between Pakistan and Thailand to focus in the FTA would also be part of the agenda.

The trade balance has been in favour of Thailand. Pakistan’s exports to Thailand include cotton, petroleum and its products, cotton yarn and fish. — Our Reporter