Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will travel to Brazil late this week on an official visit and also attend the 11th UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad).
Deputy government spokesman Torpong Chaiyasarn said that the six-day visit, starting on Saturday, would give Thaksin the opportunity to boost political and economic cooperation with the fifth-largest nation in the world.
Both countries are believed to have free-trade agreements (FTA) on their minds, Torpong said, adding that Brazil regards Thailand as an important strategic partner in Southeast Asia.
Brazil's main imports from Thai-land include rice, rubber and spare vehicle parts, while imports from Brazil include steel rods, steel, chemicals and raw leather. Additionally, the two tropical countries share some export commodities in world markets.
'Thailand and Brazil are major exporters of sugar, and should cooperate under an FTA to boost their sales and quality,' Torpong said.Accompanying Thaksin will be Tourism and Sports Minister Sontaya Kunplome, who will be meeting with his Brazilian counterpart and football legend Pele. The ministers will discuss how both countries can cooperate on the sport. It is believed Thailand will be asking for Brazilian coaches to help train Thai players. Thaksin will also visit Sao Paolo Football Club's stadium to watch a match.The Nation (Thailand):
