Hong Kong eyes to invest in Thailand's infrastructure, special economic zones

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (TNA) - Hong Kong has expressed interest in investing in infrastructure development projects and special border economic zones in Thailand, while also pushing for the completion of the ASEAN-Hong Kong free trade negotiations by next year. The issues were raised by Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Leung Chun-ying during his bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia's capital, on Monday morning on the sidelines of the the 26th ASEAN Summit. Government Spokesman Dr. Yongyuth Mayalarp told TNA that both sides agreed that Hong Kong should be Thailand's gateway to China and Thailand should be Hong Kong's gateway to Southeast Asia for each other's economic affairs and tourism. The Thai prime minister also proposed that Hong Kong operate direct and chartered flights to key tourist destinations in Thailand. Besides, the Thai prime minister asked more Thai rice to be exported to Hong Kong, where Thailand has the biggest market share of rice. In response, the Hong Kong chief executive said the value of Hong Kong's imported products from Thailand has kept rising but Hong Kong people are increasing their consumption of Thai fruits, rather than rice. The Thai prime minister is joining leaders of other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in attending the 26th ASEAN Summit and related forums in Kuala Lumpur, set from April 26-28. (TNA)