Bhutan deal struck to boost investments
Thailand and Bhutan agreed to use the Joint Trade Committee as the main driver to boost trade and investment between the two countries during bilateral talks held on Thursday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is making a two-day official visit to Bhutan, met his Bhutanese counterpart, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, at Government House in the capital Thimphu at 5pm on Thursday (local time) to discuss the bilateral relationship and a wide range of other measures, PM’s office deputy spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak said.
The Bhutanese prime minister praised Thailand for the successful rescue of all 13 people trapped in flooded Tham Luang cave, saying it was a big challenge to overcome such obstacles.
During the talks, both leaders expressed delight that their countries have established diplomatic ties both at royal and government level, Lt Gen Werachon said.
They were confident these ties would be further developed and strengthened.
Gen Prayut and Mr Tobgay discussed technical cooperation in a wide range of areas, including agriculture, public health, education, science and technology.
They agreed to use the JTC as the main mechanism to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
With its potential for tourism and construction, Bhutan has welcomed investment into the country by the Thai private sector, particularly in hotels and construction, and promised to make investing easier for Thais, Lt Gen Werachon said.
The Bhutanese prime minister also pledged to push for joint tourism cooperation under the “Two Kingdoms One Destination” concept and saw this as a strengthening of relations.
To mark 30 years of diplomatic relations next year, Thailand is willing to support a project providing eye, ear and throat treatments and set up a centre to transfer knowledge in this field to medical personnel in Bhutan, he said.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wanchuck granted a royal audience to Gen Prayut and his wife Naraporn at the Tashichhodzong, the royal palace, at 1.30pm (local time) on Thursday.
Gen Prayut was grateful that the monarch visited Thailand to pay tribute to the late King Bhumibol last October.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s Facebook page on Thursday posted a message: “Bhutan and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1989. The two countries enjoy excellent relations, marked by tremendous goodwill and understanding. The two Kingdoms share a common spiritual heritage and reverence for the institution of monarchy.”