M’sia strengthens business, economic ties with Thailand
BANGKOK: Malaysia’s Second Minister of Finance Datuk Seri Johari Ghani led a delegation comprising 29 highprofile Malaysian government officials, industry captains and members of the Kuala Lumpur Business Club ( KLBC), on a three- day business mission to Bangkok to further strengthen business relations and economic cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.
During the business mission, Johari Ghani also paid a courtesy call on Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ocha, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Minister of Finance Apisak Tantivorawong, and other highlevel Thai government officials and regulators.
Johari Ghani said “Malaysia and Thailand are important trade partners, with a combined total trade of more than US$ 20 billion in 2016, which is testament to the strong economic cooperation between the two countries.
“Through this mission, we look forward to further trade and investment cooperation, to strengthen the already strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and Thailand.
“We had a fruitful discussion with the Thai Prime Minister and his officials, who were informed that Malaysia will always welcome more Thai investments in Malaysia.
Malaysia and Thailand are important trade partners, with a combined total trade of more than US$20 billion in 2016, which is testament to the strong economic cooperation between the two countries.
“The strengthening of the bilateral ties also bodes well with the overall spirit of Asean’s integration. Through the establishment of Asean Economic Community (AEC) for example, we strive to open up the market further, creating more opportunities, removing trade barriers and increasing the meaningful participation of local players at the global and regional levels.”
KLBC president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said, “As the global market begins to recognise ASEAN’s economic importance, both Malaysia and Thailand – being not just more advanced economies in this region but also immediate neighbours with 60 years of diplomatic relations – are well-poised to thrive as Asean begins to realise its full economic potential.”