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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15: The second session of Pakistan-Thailand Joint Economic Commission (JEC) began on Thursday in Bangkok.
According to a message received here from Bangkok, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz headed the Pakistan delegation comprising 14 members from both public and private sectors.
The finance minister inaugurated the private sector dialogue between the entrepreneurs/businessmen of the two countries, while Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, additional secretary incharge, EAD, co-chaired the senior officials meeting (SOM), along with the permanent secretary of the Royal Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the private sector dialogue, Shaukat Aziz focused on the areas of cooperation in the field of textile, engineering, food processing, gems and jewellery and corporate framing.
The minister said that the private sectors of both the countries can play the role of a catalyst for economic cooperation and growth between the two countries.
He said that Pakistan’s policy of “Look East” had been a major factor in creating an enabling environment by the two governments which would in the end benefit both the private sectors.
The finance minister later called on Dr. Sutakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, accompanied by Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Hasan Aqeel and Board of Investment Chairman Waseem Haqqie.
During the meeting, progress on bilateral relations between the two countries was reviewed.
The finance minister said that Pakistan regarded ASEAN region as an important area in its foreign policy and Thailand being the hub could play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s access to other ASEAN countries.
Three areas, which are getting special priority in Pakistan’s policy, are trade, investment and tourism, therefore, Pakistan would require an enhanced bilateral activity in these sectors.
MEETING WITH THAI PM: Shaukat Aziz also called on Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, who had hosted a luncheon for the finance minister and the Pakistani delegation.
The Thai prime minister welcoming the delegation expressed his confidence in further progress of bilateral cooperation. During the luncheon meeting the global economic situation was also reviewed and in this context, the need for cooperation among the Asian countries was emphasized.
It was also stressed that Asian bond market may be promoted to create the desired economic environment.
Norman Chan, Representative of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, briefed the delegation about the steps needed in this behalf.
It was agreed that further discussions are needed at the experts’ level to promote investment of Asian Reserves of over $1 trillion.
The prime minister desired that Asian countries should have their own rating agencies to evaluate their economic situation so that dependence on the outside agencies is reduced.
The Thai prime minister discussed with the finance minister the development with regards to Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD).
The finance minister informed the Thai prime minister the Pakistani delegation has specially come to Thailand to explore new business opportunities.
On Friday, Shaukat Aziz will co-chair the ministerial segment of Pak-Thailand Joint Economic Commission along with Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.—APP
