ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, Mr Rongvudhi Virabutr, has said that his country is keenly interested in establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan to avail the vast opportunities for enhancing trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between Pakistan, Thailand, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region.

“By effectively utilising these opportunities, not only can the bilateral trade volume be doubled, but regional connectivity can also be significantly strengthened,” he said here on Friday, and emphasised the importance of free trade agreement between the two countries.

Mr Virabutr said that such an agreement would help elevate trade and investment between the two nations to new heights.

He also suggested increasing direct flights and relaxing visa policies between Pakistan and Thailand to further boost business and tourism ties.

The Thai envoy expressed these views during a meeting with Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Pakistan-Asean Friendship Association, and other business and social figures.

The meeting featured a detailed discussion on bilateral trade opportunities, investment, logistics, visa policies, tourism, and collaboration in various sectors.

The ambassador noted that the current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Thailand stands at $1.1 billion, with the potential to increase up to $2.2 billion.

He recalled that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the trade volume between the two countries had reached $1.8 billion, which clearly demonstrates that avenues for cooperation remain open.

Secretary General UBG, Zafar Bakhtawari, stressed the importance of linking Pakistan with Asean countries through direct air connectivity to open new dimensions in public and business-level engagements.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2025