Belgium urged to invest in Thailand's infrastructure projects

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged the Belgian private sector to invest in Thailand's mega infrastructure projects.

During a meeting with her Belgian counterpart Elio Di Rupo, the Thai premier said Thailand enjoyed political and economic stability, as well as gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.4 per cent.

Thai News Agency quoted Yingluck as saying investment opportunities are vast in Thailand given its potential as a gateway for European Union countries to the Southeast Asian region and the US$66 billion mammoth Thai government projects involving transport, telecommunications and energy.

She asked the Belgian prime minister to consider Schengen visa waivers for Thai passport holders to promote tourism between the two countries. Yingluck made a similar request to the Swedish leader during her visit to Stockholm yesterday.

The Thai and Belgian premiers agreed in principle to exchange knowledge on medical science, food safety, innovative technology, highlevel research and development and logistics to boost Thailand's competitive edge.

Yingluck said the March 1722 visit to Thailand by Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium and the Belgian business community will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

A joint action plan may be signed during the Crown Prince's visit to enhance various aspects of bilateral cooperation.

Later today Ms Yingluck is scheduled to meet with Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission president. They will announce the enforcement of the ThaiEuropean Union Free Trade Agreement.

The European visit has taken the Thai delegation, comprising of public and private sector representatives led by Yingluck, to Sweden and Belgium on Monday and will finish tomorrow.