Good momentum in Thailand-Malaysia ties continue to be driven by seamless connectivity
This will facilitate the flow of goods. We will have the right momentum as it would further liberalise in terms of connectivity along the border.
KUALA LUMPUR: ThailandMalaysia bilateral relations are growing stronger and the momentum would continue to be underpinned by various initiatives to promote seamless connectivity along the shared border, Thai Ambassador to Malaysia Narong Sasitorn said.
He expressed optimism on the two-way relations driven by positive initiatives taken by both governments to enhance and improve border connectivity at the southern border between Thailand-Malaysia.
These include the implementation of a 24-hour operation at Sadao Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Checkpoint (CIQ) in Thailand and Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, Security Checkpoint ( ICQS) in Malaysia, which was previously open for 18 hours.
Starting April 1, the 24-hour operation will run for a threemonth trial period for heavy vehicles and business cargo.
“This will facilitate the flow of goods. We will have the right momentum as it would further liberalise in terms of connectivity along the border,” he told Bernama International News Service yesterday.
He was met after a cooking
Narong Sasitorn, Thai Ambassador to Malaysia
demonstration of Thai cuisine titled “Spiced it Right!” with internationally renowned Malaysian chef, Datuk Ismail Ahmad, organised by the Royal Thai Embassy here.
Besides that, Thailand and Malaysia also agreed to expedite the construction of the bridges linking Kelantan and Narathiwat, namely the Tak Bai-Pengkalan Kubor Bridge and the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang Bridge.
Narong said Thailand and Malaysia have long- standing bilateral ties since 1957 with the trade and investment between the two countries established on a strong foundation, adding that the bilateral trade reached about US$ 24 billion last year.
“The number (trade volume) keep increasing but one of the key challenges was to engage with the small medium enterprises ( SMEs) including micro enterprises, start-ups and young entrepreneurs from both sides to be more involved in the ( Thailand- Malaysia) economic relations,” he explained.
Narong pointed out Thailand and Malaysia are part of the global supply chain in the manufacturing industry such as automotive, electronics and electrical appliances, data processing, petrochemical as well as agricultural and commodity products.
“Both countries adopt the same approach ( pro-investment, probusiness, and pro- connectivity). We like to promote connectivity to facilitate logistics, ensure costeffectiveness of our supply chain, and one of the key challenges is to ensure that whatever we do in Thailand and Malaysia will be coherent to complement each other.
“We have to make sure the plans on both sides are synchronised and this is the key priority of both governments are discussing to promote complementary in our economic development,” he said.
On potential cooperation in fishing and seafood industry, Narong said the private sector from both countries could cooperate in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated ( IUU) fishing, apart from business joint venture opportunities.
“We have to be cautious and responsible as marine products are the common heritage of mankind. We like to share experiences with the people in the fishing industry to be responsible and make sure we do not have IUU fishing practices. This is something we could cooperate apart from businesses,” he added.
On the event, Narong said it was to further promote understanding of Thai cuisine, which is already popularinMalaysiaandaroundthe world, especially the ingredients including spices, adding that such event will further boost people-topeople relations. — Bernama