Thailand-Malaysia to jointly develop border economy

BANGKOK, 11 June 2010 (NNT) – Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot has traveled to five northern states of Malaysia to discuss the joint development of border areas between the two neighboring countries.

Mr Alongkorn and his entourage traveled to Su-ngai Kolok district of the southern province of Narathiwat to survey the border economy before heading to Malaysia to meet with high-ranking officials from both private and public sectors in five states.

The five aspects of discussion include trade, tourism, investment, logistics, and Halal food industries with an aim to turn the restive south of Thailand to be an economic area. The deputy minister will have official visits to five Malaysian states, namely Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, and Pinang.

Mr Alongkorn elaborated that the Ministry of Commerce would seek cooperation from local governments of the five Malaysian states to hasten the process of logistics with the central government so Thailand could transport its goods to the five states with no limitation.

The deputy minister also voiced readiness to push forward and support the train routes from Su-ngai Kolok to Malaysia. He said a conclusion about the project would be made very soon.