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| Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will pay an official visit to Qatar from November 24-26, an embassy source said yesterday. He will be the first Thai prime minister to visit Qatar and the Middle East since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries on August 7, 1980. His visit will commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Being a major food exporter, Thailand is keen to work out a specific proposal for food security scheme with Qatar and other countries in the region. Thailand as a non-Islamic country with only 10% Muslim population has gained reputation in halal food technology with the most advanced laboratory in the Far East. It has became the world’s fifth largest halal food exporter in 2008 with market share of 5.6% valued $35.7bn. Vejjajiva’s delegation will comprise several important ministers including foreign, finance, energy, labour, and commerce as well as trade representatives together with senior officials of key economic ministries and Thai businessmen and women. Medical tourism is another area that would figure during the visit. Besides an official programme with HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Prime Minister Abhisit will chair a meeting with the Qatari business community and diplomatic corps. Thailand’s halal technology, medical tourism, Sukuk bond by Islamic Bank of Thailand and handicrafts manufactured by the Thai Muslim communities will be showcased during the visit. Major memoranda of understanding and agreements will be signed to enhance the growing partnership. The prime minister will hold separate meetings with Thai expatriates in Qatar for an update on the current economic recovery as well as efforts to strengthen democracy in Thailand. |
Asia, Food Manufacturing
Key pacts to be signed during Thai PM’s visit
