KARACHI: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Thailand is in final stage which after implementation is expected to double the bilateral trade between both the countries, said Suwat Kaewsook, consul general Royal Thai Consulate General, Karachi, at the opening ceremony of the three-day Thailand Exhibition on Friday. Kaewsook said that Pakistan had made substantial progress over the years and bilateral trade and diplomatic relations between both the countries had strengthened Around 45 Thai companies are displaying new range of technology and products in the exhibition which reflects the confidence of Thai investors, he said. Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) President Shamim Ahmed Firpo, who inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest, said that the FTA would increase the bilateral trade between two countries from current $1 billion to around $2.5 billion. Pakistan and Thailand are enjoying strong cordial relations, he added. He viewed that the exhibition shows that the anti Pakistan propaganda in the western media was no longer effective as 45 companies with 8 categories of products including foods and beverages, garments, medicine, cosmetic and fashion accessories, gifts and decorative items , health and beauty , household and kitchenware, leather and footwear production are participating. He noted that was an immense potential to enhance trade as major exports from Pakistan to Thailand, including yarn and fibers, chemicals, finished oils, edible meat, but added there were plenty of other products, which were capable of capturing share in Thai markets. Firpo asked business communities of both the countries to explore more avenues of enhancing trade and look for opportunities for joint ventures. Arif Suleman, honorary trade adviser to Thai Ministry of Commerce, said that a Thai delegation had visited Pakistan to explore opportunities to set up facilities in seafood processing sector. He hoped that investment from Thailand in the seafood processing sector would be materialised. Suebsak Dangboonrueng, director Thai Trade Centre, Dhaka, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of holding such exhibitions for trade enhancement. The exhibition being managed by the Event and Conference International Pvt. Ltd and the Department of International Trade Promotion, Thai Ministry of Commerce will conclude tomorrow. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2017.