Thailand is an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) nations. Pakistan starts its diplomatic relation with Thailand in 1951. Since then both of the countries have been enjoying good relations.
Thailand is a Buddhist country with a population of 64.07 Million. Thailand has a GDP 272 US$ bn and with a GDP of 4099 US$ per capita. The total export of Thailand is a 153 US$ bin and a total import of the 141 US$ bin.
Major industries of Thailand are as follows:
- Tourism
- Textile
- Garments
- Agriculture
- Cement
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Tin
- Automobile Parts
The total import of Pakistan from Thailand is 593.27 US$ Million, however total export to Thailand is only 69.58US$ Million. The balance of trade is in a favour of Thailand. The major trading partner of Thailand is the United States with 15% share of total exports and Pakistan share is only 0.39%. The major item of export from Pakistan to Thailand are fish, chemical, organic chemical, cotton yard and leather manufacturing. On the other hand major item import from Thailand to Pakistan are road vehicle, yarn, plastic, organic chemical and boiler machinery.
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) organized a trade delegation led by myself to visit Thailand. The mission of the delegations was to; explore a new venue of business, enhance bilateral trade relations and discuss a way to build strong links with Thailand.
Pakistan embassy in Bangkok facilitated the delegation visit and arranged its meeting with Thai Counterparts. The delegation visited an exhibition titled “Thailand Mega Show”which focused on a broad range of goods such as furnitures, home decor, jewelry and accessories, health and beauty spa, food and etc.
The delegation also held a meeting with the ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand Sohail Mehmood; who gives a comprehensive overview of Pak-Thai trade, economic relation and the potential of each other’s market for fruitful mutual collaboration including joint ventures. The ambassador ensures the delegation to provide full support for further such visits and business development efforts.
Commercial counselor of Pakistan to Thailand Zafar Ali Shah briefed the delegation on the general business environment in Thailand. Later on the delegation had interaction with the Thai-Pak Chamber of Commerce (TPCC). The delegation also visited the Germ factory in Pattaya. The administrators of the factory briefed the delegation regarding gems and jewelry promotion efforts to strengthen the industry.
After the completion of my successful visit to Thailand I presented a report to the President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mr. Kashif Shabbir. The presented appreciated the efforts made by delegations and congratulated on a successful business tour.
