Page 24 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL7

A year ago we agreed to establish a joint trade committee that should be headed by, from your side, the commerce minister and, from our side, the minister of economic affairs to make sure that trade relations are expeditedI believe that is a very sound basis for the two countries’ relations to flourish.Could you elaborate on bilateral trade and investment?As for bilateral trade between Bhutan and Thailand, given the excellent relations I agree that we have a lot of work to do. Our trade volume is modest by international standards, even probably by Thai standards. Trade volume is in the vicinity of $20 million and that is heavily in the favour of Thailand. However, there is intention to further promote trade, commerce and economic relations. A year ago we agreed to establish a joint trade committee that should be headed by, from your side, the commerce minister and, from our side, the minister of economic affairs to make sure that trade relations are expedited.How big is the Bhutanese com- munity in Thailand?The number of Bhutanese people in Thailand is closer to 600 and growing. But one must remember that Bhutan is a small country, about 761,000 people. Now we have a lot of Bhuta- nese who look at the possibilities – Bhutanese teachers coming here teach- ing English in government vocational colleges and other private schools. We already have about 100 Bhutanese teachers, so they would add to the Bhutanese community here. This represents a new facet of collaboration between Thailand and Bhutan. Most of them come here to study. They’re in various universities on various scholarships – government sponsored and privately funded. The largest concentration will be in Bangkok.How long have you been posted in Bangkok?I am in my third year and enjoying every minute of it. I find that the sense of displacement is almost negligible because I’m in an Asian country with whom Bhutan enjoys excellent relations. And Thai people, right from the official level are very genuine. Wherever I go in the markets and shops I find a tremendous sense of goodwill towards Bhutan in terms of their affection for His Majesty the King.What are your major tasks as ambassador?My major tasks would be probably the same as any ambassador or representative of a foreign government here. I would delineate this into three categories. My most important responsibility would be to promote friendship and goodwill. My second mandate would be to broaden and deepen collaboration in many important areas such as in HRD, trade and commerce, culture and religion, agriculture, health and22 Elite+