Positive prospect seen from EU restoration of political ties with Thailand

BANGKOK, December 13 (TNA) - A recent decision by the European Union (EU) to restore its political ties with Thailand in all levels is foreseen a promising prospect for the Kingdom. Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong made the remarks on December 12, stressing that the decision announced by the Council of the European Union is a very good news for Thailand. Sonthirat acknowledged the EU resolution, publicly announced on December 11, reflected the increasing confidence in Thailand among European nations through both short-term and long-term measures having been implemented by the Thai government that have strengthened the local grassroots and the national economy. The minister pointed out that the strengthening Thai economy has resulted in the country's improved positions ranked or forecast by many international institutions. The minister said he believed that the EU decision would further boost Thailand's external trade, restore the country's negotiations with the key European trade bloc on the planned EU-Thailand free trade area (FTA) and bring about a better solution to pending issues, including those on the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. According to the minister, the government plans, meanwhile, to announce its "Thailand Takeoff" initiative early next year to create more confidence in the Kingdom in the international community. (TNA)