Switzerland eyes more investment in Thailand

BALI, INDONESIA, November 8 (TNA) - Switzerland has shown a keen interest in expanding more investment projects into Thailand, as impacts from the eurozone debt crisis on the Swiss economy are relieving. Newly-appointed Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is also Foreign Minister, told journalists in Bangkok on Thursday that the Swiss Foreign Minister informed him of the interest at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of this week's 5th Bali Democracy Forum in Indonesia. Surapong said his Swiss conterpart told him that Switzerland is exploring more trade and investment opportunities in Asia and is eyeing Thailand's as its regional gate to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Surapong acknowledged that his Swiss counterpart voiced his support for national reconciliation and stable politics in Thailand, saying that Switzerland is ready to share its knowledge and experiences with Thailand. According to the Thai deputy premier, Switzerland also participated in this year's Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held in Vientiane, Laos' capital, recently, and thanked for Thailand's support. The deputy premier revealed that the Swiss government also agreed to support Thailand's increasing roles at the United Nations. (TNA)