Yesterday, the fourth editions of the Political and Economic Consultation mechanisms with Thailand were held in Buenos Aires, headed on the Argentine side by the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Gustavo Zlauvinen, and the Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations, Nora Capello, and on the Thai side by the Deputy Permanent Secretary Panyarak POOLTHUP.
At the meetings, the bilateral agenda was jointly assessed, laying the foundations for its further strengthening and expansion, with a view to achieving concrete short-term goals. In this regard, both sides discussed mechanisms to promote cultural and educational bonds, to foster trade exchanges in related services and to encourage university students to take short courses in the other country. It was also agreed to resume the negotiation of agreements on cooperation in cultural, sports and criminal matters.
On its part, Thailand expressed interest in cooperating with Argentina on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, given our country's experience in the field and the Asian country's development of initiatives on this issue.
Argentina and Thailand discussed areas of agreement and shared their views on issues on the multilateral and global agendas, in addition to welcoming the progress made on MERCOSUR-ASEAN dialogue, which will facilitate a more effective and fruitful exchange between both regions.
Argentina's importance as trade partner for Thailand in Latin America (accounting for USD 1.6 bn in bilateral trade) was highlighted at the Economic Consultations meeting. Accordingly, both sides placed special importance on the conclusion of ongoing negotiations on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, which will increase the diversity of our exports to the Thai market.
On the occasion, new value added products which could potentially access the Thai market were identified.
In terms of strengthening and boosting trade, both delegations agreed on the advisability of connecting businesspeople from both countries and informing them of available trade and investment opportunities.
In addition to acknowledging the important investment by a Thai company in Lithium mining in the Province of Jujuy, it was stated that the Asian country is considering investing in other sectors of Argentina's economy, such as energy, among others.
Both sides agreed to begin negotiations soon in order to reach an agreement on the exchange of tax information.
Advances in dialogue between MERCOSUR and ASEAN (a regional group of which Thailand is a Member State) will continue at a meeting to be held next September.
A working meeting was also held today on South-South Cooperation, another important aspect of the bilateral relationship.
Press release No. 329/17
Press Office: 4819-7375 / 8296 / 7388
www.cancilleria.gob.ar
@CancilleriaARG
