March 4, 2013, at 0525hrs (local time), Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the delegation, comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong, Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, Public Health Minister Pradit Sintawanarong, Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk, PM’s Secretary General Suranand Vejajiva, and Government Spokesman Tosaporn Serirak and others, arrived in Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden and went to Sheraton Stockholm Hotel where they are staying.
The Kingdom of Sweden is the biggest in size among the north European countries (almost as big as Thailand) with its population of 9.49 million. Sweden is a leading country in research and development particularly in the areas of clean energy, alternative energy, water management, and ICT. At present, Sweden ranks 33rd of Thailand’s trading partners and 7th among EU member countries. Total trade volume between the two countries reached 1,505 million US Dollars in 2012, and is constantly increasing.
Later at 0900hrs (local time), PM Yingluck and the delegation had a meeting with Team Thailand (Nordic countries) and the Thai private sector in the areas of food, energy/green economy, medical tourism, designed products/creative economy, and banking at Sheraton Stockholm Hotel.
The Nordic countries have become interested in Asia and the Southeast Asian countries, whereas Thailand is considered a regional hub and a gateway of Asia. Furthermore, Thailand is an old ally of the Nordic countries with over 100 years of diplomatic relations. There are around 750,000 tourists from the Nordic countries coming to Thailand and over 40,000 Thais in the Nordic area. Team Thailand and the private sector could cooperate and work together with the Thai communities for further promotion of the country.
In addition, people-to-people connection based on mutual understanding and through education, tourism, and culture is considered a significant strategy. The Thai Government also supports cooperation between Thai research centers and the Nordic counterparts, as well as cooperation in public health.
The Thai private sector expressed interest in expanding their business in the Nordic countries. To support and accommodate their business venture, PM Yingluck agreed with the setup of 4 working groups, namely energy, agricultural crops, tourism, and medical services.