Minister Day Leads Trade Mission to Thailand

(Minister of International Trade)

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, arrived in Thailand yesterday [Sunday] at the head of a trade mission made up of 10 Canadian energy companies.

Minister Day launched the trade mission before an audience of senior Canadian and Thai officials and business representatives in Bangkok. The Minister emphasized that this mission is the first Canadian ministerial visit in six years, and it will promote Canada as a supplier of high-quality goods and services to Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia.

“We must take advantage of the Government of Thailand’s new energy strategy by showcasing Canadian expertise,” said Minister Day. “This trade mission will help open doors for Canadian businesses that have an expertise in areas such as oil and gas exploration and production, natural gas vehicles, biomass energy, and wind, solar and nuclear energy.”

The Thai government’s new energy strategy, approved in January 2009, focuses on achieving greater energy independence and security through both conventional resources and alternative and renewable resources, such as compressed natural gas, bio-fuels and nuclear power.

In addition to having a growing number of Canadian businesses seeking a share of the energy market there, Thailand represents an important investment destination for Canadian companies. Canadian direct investment into Thailand has been increasing over recent years, reaching $1.3 billion at the end of 2008. As well, Canadian exports to Thailand also grew by 20 percent last year, particularly in the areas of machinery, wood pulp, cereals and vehicle parts.

“I am pleased with the solid and expanding nature of our relationship with Thailand, a valued partner in Asia,” said Minister Day. “My visit here not only shows Canada’s commitment to increasing trade and investment with this market, but it also highlights our countries’ interest in working together to create new opportunities in the years to come.”