The Hindu Business Line : Thai cos eye auto spares, food processing sectors in Bengal

A GROUP of 12 Thailand companies, mainly representing small and medium sectors in areas such as paper, food processing, auto components, fruit juice, computer peripherals, TV spares and construction materials, is keen to set up trading and manufacturing joint ventures in the State.

The business delegation from Thailand, led by Mr Kunyaphan Raengkhum, Deputy Director-General, Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, on Tuesday held discussions with Bengal's Industry Minister, Mr Nirupam Sen, and the Principal Secretary (IT), Dr G.D. Gautama, on investment opportunities in the State.

At a news conference, Mr Kunyaphan said the visit was a fact-finding one, and the plan was to bring in a large 120-member team to participate at a five-day Indo-Thai expo, planned by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce (BCC) in Kolkata from October 26. He said some of the joint venture proposals would be concretised by October.

According to the President of BCC, Mr Santosh Rungta, joint manufacturing was high on the visiting team's agenda, and things may take shape only during the mega expo, in which some 50-60 Indian companies were also expected to participate. He confirmed that the Thai business group had already got a "message of comfort" from the Bengal Government for new projects in the State, particularly in computer spares and food processing.

Mr Kunyaphan said bilateral trade during 2004 was at $2 billion, well in favour of Thailand, which exports items such as auto parts, computer peripherals, construction materials, to India. He said trade between the two countries, following the FTA initialled last year, was expected to record a 30 per cent increase this year.

He said the team had chosen Bengal for its maiden visit because the State was generally perceived as the gateway to the East.

Mr Rungta said trade between the two sides should witness a hug jump, once direct shipping links are established between Bangkok and Kolkata/Haldia.

Thailand is now constructing a deep sea port on the Bangkok side to cut short the existing circuitous shipping route via Singapore for better trade prospects with India. According to Mr Sourabh Khemani, a senior member of the chamber, the sea port project should be completed within the next 12 months.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page