Thailand, Mozambique to expand bilateral trade

BANGKOK, February 8 (TNA) - Thailand and Mozambique have agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment, especially in the gems and jewelry business. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Thai Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and visiting Mozambican Mineral Resources Minister Esperanca Bias in Bangkok on Friday. Under the agreement, the Thai commerce minister acknowledged, Thailand and Mozambique will be jointly promoting bilateral trade, noting that Thailand is, particularly, in need of raw natural resources; while Mozambican is seeking knowledge and experiences on the testing and certifying quality gems, the art of cutting gems, as well as methods to increase the value of gem stones from the Thai side. According to the commerce minister, Mozambique also showed its interests in importing rice, plastic pellets, vehicles, and steel from Thailand and the two countries eyed to further lift bilateral relations in other industries. In 2012, Mozambique was Thailand's 12th most important trading partner, with two-way trade standing at some 180.23 million US dollars, a 5.17 per cent year-on-year increase and Thai exports to Mozambique accounting for 163.48 US dollars. (TNA)