As business goals increase, boundary access is crucial.
PUBLISHED: 17 Dec 2024 at 04: 11
Thailand and Malaysia aim to achieve bilateral trade of US$ 30 billion ( 1 trillion baht ) by 2027, with the two nations agreeing to enhance economic cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, border connectivity, and tourism.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Indonesian rival Anwar Ibrahim met during her two-day formal attend to Malaysia, which ended on Monday.
During the visit, Ms Paetongtarn and Mr Anwar co-chaired the 7th Annual Consultation, and both nations reviewed and advanced the initiatives agreed upon during last year’s conversations.
What are the main topics that the two parties discussed, according to assistant government spokesman Sasikarn Watthanachan?
According to Ms. Sasikarn,” Both excellent officials reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the development of infrastructure and strengthening trade and economic relations in order to reach the US$ 30 billion industry specific by 2027.”
Border trade accounted for 30 % of bilateral trade, and both parties agreed that improving border connectivity and facilitating cross-border travel were essential. She claimed that two Memorandums of Understanding ( MoUs ) regarding cross-border goods and passengers were urgent.
The development of the frontier infrastructure development initiatives was also applauded by the Thai and Malaysian rulers. Ms. Paetongtarn expressed wish that the two nations would improve rail connectivity and support local logistics initiatives, like the Asean Express cargo trains.
She also consented to the formation of work forces in four crucial areas, including border deal, food safety, trade, and investment, in order to achieve tangible results.
The Thai prime minister acknowledged Malaysia’s function as a mediator in the deep South’s peace dialogue. Following the appointment of the Thai group leader, Ms. Paetongtarn expressed wish that peace negotiations would begin immediately.
She was convinced that Malaysia may continue to support Thailand on the international level, especially within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Both states expressed satisfaction with near cooperation in addressing international crimes, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and online frauds. Next time, Thailand will host the 56th General Border Committee meet and the 2nd Joint Working Committee on Security Cooperation meeting.
Mr Anwar, meanwhile, reaffirmed diplomatic relationships and cooperation across different sectors, including the business, trade and investment, tourism, Halal meals, travel communication, power, and regional security.
He referred to the Thailand-Malaysia association as a model for neighboring nations, claiming that it benefited from increasing trade value and cooperation in vocational training, particularly in the southern border provinces, to help the two nations grow.
Mr Anwar expressed aid for Thailand’s” 6 Countries, 1 Place” tourism program, which may increase the tourism market in both nations and the region.
In terms of security, he reaffirmed that the strong south’s unrest was an inner problem while expressing confidence that Thailand would be able to bring about regional peace and prosperity.
Additionally, the two leaders witnessed the signing of two documents pertaining to social and rubber cooperation, which may improve the two nations ‘ monetary and human-to-people ties.