KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- Thai entrepreneurs are seeking Malaysian joint venture (JV) partners to enhance cooperation in trade and investment to benefit from the establishment of an Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. Thailand Chamber of Commerce chairman, Dusit Nontanakorn, said AEC aimed to turn the region into a single market with over 500 million people, into a community where goods, production assets, people and capital could move across borders freely.

"We would like to make sure our strong relationship in economy will continue and flourish in years to come," he told a press conference in conjunction with Thailand-Malaysia Trade and Investment Cooperation Seminar here today.

President of Thailand Trade Representative, Kiat Sittheeamorn, said Thai entrepreneurs were exploring opportunities in car parts, textiles, food and tourism sectors.

He said the combined strength and expertise of entrepreneurs from both countries could tap business opportunities available in the changing world economic environment.

"The JV with Malaysian counterparts will allow us to do business both in Malaysia, Thailand, Asean as well as beyond the area," he said.

Kiat, the special envoy of the Prime Minister of Thailand on trade- and investment-related issues, is leading the delegation from the government and the private sectors which included 100 executives of Thailand Nationwide Chamber of Commerce from March 27 until tomorrow.

The seminar also saw the signing of the memorandums of understanding between Thailand-based pharmaceutical products manufacturer, The British Dispensary (L.P.) Co Ltd and Chemical Co of Malaysia Bhd, chemicals, fertilisers and healthcare companies.

Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, witnessed the event.

The British Dispensary managing director, Sutee Ratananakin, said the JV involved an initial investment of RM50 million in three years via three phases.

-- BERNAMA