MARDAN, Oct 21: Thailand and Pakistan would set up a joint trade committee in near future to work on free trade agreement between both the countries, said Maurat Fitpaima, Thailand Ambassador to Pakistan.

“Thailand government has so far deposited $75,000 in the Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund while a plane will arrive at the end of this month to bring aid items for flood survivors,” he added.

Talking to Dawn here on Thursday, he said that Thailand and Pakistan had historical and time tested friendship. He was accompanying a high level delegation to sympathise with the flood-affected people and distribute cash assistance worth $70,500, sent by the Muslims of Thailand.

The delegation consisted of Swab Phaopatan, Adviser to Sheikhul Islam of Thailand and Vice President of Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, Chaiya Sakulcha, Pol Mej Gen Surin Palarae, Secretary of Thailand Muslim leader and Preecha Anuruk, Deputy Secretary of the Sheikh.

The ambassador said that people affected by the worst flood in Pakistan needed attention of the world and the local well-off people.

He said the Thailand Embassy also donated money as well as wheelchairs to various organisations working for the rehabilitation of flood victims.

“Floods are also common in Thailand but the intensity of floods in Pakistan are terrible,” he said, adding that the world responded very positively and it was also a matter of satisfaction that the Pakistani government was also planning to levy flood tax to collect more money for the rehabilitation of flood-hit people.

He said that around 30,000 people of Pakistan-origin were working in Thailand and playing a role in the development of his country.

“Both the countries enjoy good trade relation also. Last week I led a six-member delegation of businessmen from Pakistan to Thailand,” he said.

“We should cooperate to promote food industry of both the countries as Pakistan is the gateway to both central Asia and Middle East therefore both the countries should work together through joint ventures on regional basis,” he said.

Mr Fitpaima said that there ware also room for developing of tourism between both the countries. “Being a Buddhist country, the people of Thailand have great interest in the Buddhist remains and archaeological sites in Taxila, Swat, Mardan and Malakand and other areas of Gandhara civilization,” he added.

He said that in the near future, both the countries would establish a joint trade committee, headed by the commerce ministers from both sides, to work for free trade agreement. Later, the delegation proceeded to Nowshera district where it distributed cash among the flood survivors.