Thai PM excited at trade opportunities with NE region

New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) Minister for Development of North East Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar today said Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was excited about the trade opportunities that existed between his country and the North Eastern states.

'' The Thai PM was very impressed with the North East states and has expressed his desire to visit the remaining states that he missed this time,'' said Mr Aiyar.

The Thai PM is expected to make his second trip to the country as soon as October and he would again make a trip to the North East, added Mr Aiyar.

The minister went on to add that the Thai Pm was so excited about the trade and tourism benefits whch exist that he suggested holding a 'North East Investment Opportunity' week in Bangkok in the month of October, coinciding with the PM's visit.

Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was on an official visit to India during June 25-27, 2007.

The minister said DoNER was pushing forward to make it possible and called on IT and services body NASSCOM to join hands in the endeavour.

With India and Thailand stepping up negotiations to conclude a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) by 2010, North East region stands to gain from such bilateral bonhomie.

'' We are also holding a investment promotion campaign in New York later this year in collaboration with CII,'' said Mr Aiyar.

UNI