Thailand and New Zealand aim to triple trade by 2045

THAI Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon today (Aug. 21) signed a declaration elevating the relationship between the two countries to a “strategic partnership” level and agreed to triple bilateral trade to US$7.5 billion (approximately 246 billion baht) by 2045 while outlining plans to resume direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland in 2027, PPTVHD36 said.

Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said Anutin expressed his pleasure at paying an official visit to New Zealand to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During their discussion which was attended by key ministers of both countries the focus was on the four pillars of cooperation under the Thai-New Zealand Joint Plan of Action 2026–2030. This plan will serve as a crucial framework for driving the strategic partnership towards tangible results and benefits for the people of both countries.

The four pillars of cooperation are as follows:

– Political and security cooperation: Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crime, online fraud, and human trafficking, as well as promoting closer coordination and information exchange between law enforcement agencies of the two countries;

– Economic, trade, and innovation cooperation: Both sides agreed to expand trade and investment, focusing on innovation, food and energy security, the green economy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. The two countries aim to triple bilateral trade value to US$7.5 billion (approximately 246 billion baht) by 2045 and will jointly develop the Thailand–New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP) to create new opportunities for businesses and people of both countries;

Leading Thai business executives had accompanied Anutin on this trip and met with New Zealand government agencies and the business sector, which will open up opportunities for cooperation in new areas and strengthen business linkages between the two countries.

– Cooperation in education, culture, and people-to-people relations: Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in education, skills development, innovation, and capacity building, as well as strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.

– Regional and multilateral cooperation: Both countries will work closely together through the Mekong River Basin cooperation framework, Asean-led mechanisms, Apec, and other international forums, exchanging views on regional and international developments, and reaffirming the importance of a rules-based international order and multilateralism in promoting peace, stability, resilience, and sustainable development.

Luxon personally took Anutin to visit Ardmore Airport aircraft hangar where he met NZAero’s CEO Mr. Stephen Burrows and was briefed on the company’s operations. Anutin also saw the aircraft on display and a demonstration of CT-4 light aircraft, according to Naewna newspaper.

The Thai Prime Minister said this visit to NZAero reflects the long-standing relationship and cooperation between Thailand and New Zealand. Thailand has had a continuous connection with the company’s aircraft, including their use in the Royal Rainmaking Project, which originated from the Royal initiative of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. This aircraft has also been used for training flights in Thailand, including those by Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

CAPTION:

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon visiting NZAero, above, holding talks during his visit, inserted, and addressing a press conference, Front Page. Above photo – Naewna, inserted and Front Page – PPTVHD36