Swiss president to visit Thailand for talks on trade, investment

Swiss President Guy Parmelin will pay an official visit to Thailand from 15-17 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with talks expected to focus on trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.

The visit coincides with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok and the 95th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Switzerland. It will be the first official visit to Thailand by a Swiss president in 22 years, since 2004.

Parmelin will be accompanied by a Swiss business delegation. Anutin is scheduled to host an official welcome ceremony at Government House on 15 October, followed by bilateral talks, a joint press conference and an official luncheon.

The discussions are expected to cover trade and investment promotion, the Thailand-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement, science and technology, innovation, human resource development and climate action. Regional developments, cooperation within ASEAN and multilateral cooperation are also on the agenda.

Government spokesman Aekkapop Phianphiset said the government viewed stronger ties with Switzerland as an opportunity to expand Thailand’s economic and development prospects, particularly through trade, investment, technology, innovation and human resource development.

He said these areas of cooperation were important to creating opportunities for Thai people and strengthening the country’s competitiveness.