Whether or  not Thailand changes leaders, it will not affect the confidence of New Zealand businessmen as the Kingdom's trade and investment policy with its partners is likely to remain unchanged, New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand Peter Rider said yesterday.

The next prime minister will come from Thai Rak Thai Party, therefore the government's policy will stay on the same track, particularly as regards the free-trade agreement - now termed a Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) - between the two countries.

The nations will hold a joint economic commission to revise the CEP accord next month. However, the agenda has not yet been drafted due to the political turmoil in Thailand.

"The election results will come out soon and will answer everything, including future plans and the bilateral agreement. Actually there is a legal agreement under the CEP signatories. We are confident that no matter who leads the government, the agreement will continue to grow," he said.

Rider said the political crisis was not big news in New Zealand, adding that the population has the right to express its aspirations under the democratic system.

Jo McEvoy, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise commissioner, said the political conflict could affect some New Zealand investors here. However, the New Zealand trade office in Bangkok has reported that the situation is under control and should not develop into a dangerous environment.

"About eight to 10 companies have asked us about the situation in Thailand. We explained to them that the situation is safe for investment in Thailand as usual," she said.

New Zealand investors are particularly interested in investing here in technology and software development, food and beverage manufacturing, and in niche markets.

Rider added that exports from New Zealand to Thailand should grow by 10 per cent after the CEP has been implemented for one year.

To achieve the goal, New Zealand has launched its first campaign in Thailand entitled "New Zealand Festival" to boost local recognition of the country's products.

The event will be held from May 4-7 at The Emporium.

The festival is also a part of the 50th anniversary of Thai-New Zealand diplomatic ties.

"We would like to change the perception Thai people have of New Zealand, so the festival will raise awareness of their high ability to create new technology," the ambassador said.

In the past, people only recognised New Zealand as clean and green and with a beautiful landscape. But now they are becoming increasingly aware of all the other attributes of the country and its people.

Since the inauguration of the CEP nine months ago, Thailand has operated a trade surplus with New Zealand. Thai exports were valued at US$951 million (Bt36.7 billion) from July to December, while import value reached $337 million in the same period.

Roskamol B Vongchowanart, manager of Tourism New Zealand, said 19,219 Thai tourists visited New Zealand and 70,000 New Zealanders travelled to the Kingdom last year.

Roskamol targets the number of Thai tourists this year at 25,000. 

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation