18 Thai firms to visit Laos

BANGKOK, Aug 19 (TNA) -Representatives of 18 Thai firms will visit neighboring Laos early next month to explore ways to expand their businesses and a joint investment, said Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of Commerce Ministry’s Foreign Trade Department. Mrs. Duangporn said the three-day visit to Vang Vieng town in Vientiane province Luang Prabang, starting September 6 , will give an opportunity to accompanying producers of cosmetics, consumer products, transportation and logistics operators to confer with Lao businessmen on trade and a possible joint investment. She is optimistic that Thai businessmen would succeed in the upcoming trip because both cities have been assigned to be the major high-speed train stations being developed by the Laos and Chinese governments. During the first five months this year, combined trade between the two countries at the border stood at about 84.2 billion baht with Thailand enjoyed the trade surplus. Key Thai exports were diesel, automobile and livestock products.Thailand’s major imports include electricity, copper and related products, and vegetables. (TNA)