India and Thailand trade prospects received a huge boost with Thai Deputy Premier Korn Dabaransi announcing on Friday that bilateral trade will double to $2.1 billion from $1 billion in 14 months from now.
"You have to make the figure a reality," Korn, who is also chairman of the committee to enhance Thai-India relations told a gathering of businessmen in Bangkok.
He further said that the signing of the five agreements on Thursday between the two nations would help achieve this target faster.
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Korn was speaking at a function organised by the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce. The chief guest at the function was Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Assuring Vajpayee that all government agencies would fully cooperate with all Indian businessmen, Korn said that after the signing of the five agreements, private sectors from the two countries could ensure that the trade target would be met by 2004.
"A new chapter of relationship has been inaugurated between Thailand and India," Korn said adding that the Free Trade Agreement would "maximize our strength to enhance ties between the two countries."
Korn told the cheering audience that already 27 delegations from India had visited Thailand to enter into partnership agreements with Thai businessmen.
"This is only the beginning of a new era, a new chapter, a brighter horizon," he added.
However, he expressed his disappointment that only 84 items had been listed under the early Harvest Package.
"The 84 items to me personally are below my target. I was expecting more, but still I am delighted with the prospects."
Korn noted that the visa waiver facility, which was being offered to official and diplomatic passport holders should also be extended to businessmen.
He also said that the government of Thailand had for the first time last year issued a five-year multiple entry visa to an Indian. "No other nationality was given...More will follow."
