Malaysia to further strengthen business ties with Thailand

Malaysian business delegation to Bangkok led by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani (front row, 6th from right) posing with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha (front row, 5th from right) during a coutesy call. With them are Kuala Lumpur Business Club president and CIMB Group group chief executive Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz (back row, 3rd from left) and other members of the Kuala Lumpur Business Club.

PETALING JAYA: The Government hopes to further strengthen business relations and economic cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand. 

“Malaysia and Thailand are important trade partners, with a combined total trade of more than US$20bil in 2016, which is testament to the strong economic cooperation between the two countries. 

“Through this mission, we look forward to further trade and investment cooperation, to strengthen the already strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and Thailand,” Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said in a statement. 

Johari led a delegation of 29 Malaysian government officials, industry captains and members of the Kuala Lumpur Business Club (KLBC)  on a three-day business mission to Bangkok.

During the business mission, Johari also paid a courtesy call on Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong.

“We had a fruitful discussion with the Thai Prime Minister and his officials, who were informed that Malaysia will always welcome more Thai investments in Malaysia. The strengthening of the bilateral ties also bodes well with the overall spirit of Asean’s integration. 

“Through the establishment of Asean Economic Community (AEC) for example, we strive to open up the market further, creating more opportunities, removing trade barriers and increasing the meaningful participation of local players at the global and regional levels,” Johari said. 

KLBC president Tengku Datuk Sri Zafrul Aziz said “As the global market begins to recognise ASEAN’s economic importance, both Malaysia and Thailand – being not just more advanced economies in this region but also immediate neighbours with 60 years of diplomatic relations – are well-poised to thrive as ASEAN begins to realise its full economic potential.” 

He added that KLBC was pleased to facilitate this opportunity for top corporate leaders from both countries to share, explore and discuss more business prospects between both countries.

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