Thailand pledges better European trade cooperation

Thailand Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has pledged closer trade cooperation with Europe, saying that he welcomed European Commission President Jose' Manuel Barroso's initiative to set up a US $1 billion emergency food crisis fund, which he said would be useful for developing countries, particularly in Africa.?

"With our capacity and experience, we are ready and willing to work more closely with the EU to create greater synergy on this effort," said Mr Somchai at a plenary session of the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem), reports the Bangkok Post.?

Research and development promotion and technology transfer in agriculture must also be stepped up, said the prime minister, adding that in order to find a permanent solution to the food crisis Asem should give priority to containing global warming, promote the use of alternative energy, stabilize oil prices, and cooperate with Asia on broader trade agreements. He also urged Europe to cooperate with Thailand on issues such as food safety, standards and conformity assessment, and pushing harder for the conclusion of the Doha Round, which would help reduce or eliminate food and agricultural subsidies that distort markets and impoverish developing countries.?

"As one of the world's major food producers and exporters, Thailand is prepared to do its part in this regard,” said Somchai. “We are aiming to develop and improve cultivation of food and energy crops, and to increase productivity per hectare. We are also working to improve standards of production, land quality and crop quality."