Regime targets Iran as key export market

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (left) meets Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on Friday. (Government House photo)

Thailand is targeting Iran as its key export market in the Middle East following the lifting of international sanctions against the country.

Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak was speaking after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on Friday.

He said the action plan on economic and trade cooperation between Thailand and Iran took effect on Jan 16 this year, which paves the way for the two countries to work together on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, energy and transport.

Gen Prayut wants Iran, which has a population of more than 80 million, to become the key export market for Thailand in the Middle East, Maj Gen Werachon said, adding Gen Prayut also wants Thailand to serve as Iran's goods distribution hub in the Asean region.

The deputy spokesman noted the two countries want to deepen bilateral relations in all aspects after Iran reached a landmark deal with Western powers last year to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting most trade sanctions.

Gen Prayut hailed Mr Zarif for his instrumental role in negotiating with the world's major powers, subsequently leading to the lifting of sanctions against Iran. Maj Gen Werachon said this served as an example of a diplomatic approach in dealing with challenging global issues.

Both countries have held high-ranking official visits, he said.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai attended the ninth meeting of Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial, Industrial, Technical, Agricultural and Scientific Cooperation between the two countries in Tehran in January, while Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak paid an official visit to Iran last month.

Mr Zarif visited Thailand to bolster trade, energy, science and technology, tourism, agriculture and fishery cooperation.

As part of agricultural cooperation, Gen Prayut was pleased with Iran's interest in purchasing a large quantity of rice from Thailand, which is ready to offer a wide variety of grains. Thailand, he said, can also provide farm and processed food products.

Following the lifting of sanctions, the financial institutions in both countries will also seek closer ties, he noted.

The two countries will also cooperate in the field of energy, a sector in which Iran has advantages in natural gas, oil and petrochemical developments.

The two countries, Maj Gen Werachon added, aim to boost tourism.

Relevant authorities will consider increasing direct flights between the two nations. Tourism packages will also be introduced to draw more Iranians to Thailand.

Thailand and Iran will also share security information to ward off terrorism and extremism as well as suppress human trafficking, drugs and transnational crime, the deputy spokesman added.