Thai-PNG technical accord signed

Bangkok Post

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Peter O'Neill presided over the signing of two agreements opening a new chapter in relations between the two countries on Monday.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Peter O'Neill at the joint press conference. Photo from facebook of Yingluck Shinawatra

Ms Yingluck met with Mr O'Neill and Michael Ogio, governor-general of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, on Monday morning at Government House in Port Moresby.
They discussed increased collaboration in various fields.
"I am proud to be the first Thai prime minister to visit this country. Our visit reflects the importance we attach to Papua New Guinea, which is a fellow democracy and a country of great potential in the Pacific," Ms Yingluck said.
She said both sides have agreed to explore increased trade in priority areas such as agricultural goods including rice, fisheries products and seafood, and automobile products.
Thai investors were currently interested in energy and renewable energy, food, agriculture, fishery and construction. She brought with her 30 representatives from leading Thai companies in these key sectors to further boost economic relations.
Papa New Guinea and Thailand will consider signing an avoidance of double taxation agreement and Investment promotion and protection agreement to encourage more investments from Thai businesses, she added.
Ms Yingluck said Thailand will also share its experience in areas such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Technical Cooperation Agreement signed Monday would provide a good framework for the exchange of experience and best practices.  
Food safety and diagnostic test kits were given to the government of Papua New Guinea to support capacity-building efforts in public health, she said.
The two prime ministers agreed that there will be an annual meeting between senior officials to ensure a good follow-up. Ms Yingluck also invited Mr O'Neill to visit Thailand in the future.