Thailand has the potential to be the economic hub of Asean and the main gateway to its neighbouring countries, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV), said Hong Kong's chief executive.
"I can see clearly the significant role of Thailand as a centre of Asean and the gateway to CLMV, while I hope that Thailand and Hong Kong will have more ties on cultural and economic cooperation,'' Carrie Lam told a press briefing on Friday at a Bangkok hotel during her visit to Thailand. Mrs Lam did not go into details of the potential she mentioned.
Mrs Lam said it was her first time visiting Asean, including Singapore and Thailand, since becoming chief executive of Hong Kong in July.
During her visit to Thailand, she paid respect to the late King Bhumibol at the Grand Palace and later met Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House.
Mrs Lam said that she briefed the Thai prime minister on Hong Kong's role in the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area.
A source at the talks said Gen Prayut had proposed that Hong Kong establish a trade office in Thailand, to which Mrs Lam agreed and told him that she would return to the country to discuss the proposal further.
Mrs Lam went on to say at the press briefing that she hoped her visit to Thailand will spur trade and investment between Hong Kong and Thailand.
The Commerce Ministry acknowledged the progress of the Asean-Hong Kong Free Trade (AKHFTA).
Mrs Lam said she expects AKHFTA will be instrumental in driving trade between the former British colony and Thailand.
Mrs Lam also attended two roundtable forums to explore collaborative opportunities on investment, with Thai investors briefed on next generation industries in which Hong Kong investors have shown an interest, particularly robotics and other creative industries.
Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office, said Thailand and Hong Kong will establish a working committee to work out in detail areas for cooperation, such as in technology, human resources, the development of small and medium enterprises and cultural development.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak also proposed that Hong Kong and Thailand establish a bilateral committee to develop cooperation.
"Mrs Lam has a good attitude towards Thailand, so it is highly possible that a Hong Kong trade office can be established here in Thailand,'' Mr Somkid said.
Last month Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the construction of the Thai-Sino rail project should be speeded up so Thailand can connect to big markets in China and become a regional transit hub.