Friday, March 23 2012

Canadian prime minister says free trade pact with Thailand to be negotiated

By Associated Press

BANGKOK — Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper says his country will hold exploratory talks with Thailand on a free trade agreement.

Harper announced the plan Friday in Bangkok during a visit with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Thai-Canadian trade last year topped $3 billion.

Canada is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States and Mexico. Thailand is part of a Southeast Asian free trade area.

The two leaders also pledged to improve cooperation in tackling human smuggling, terrorism and transnational crime, while promoting shared values including good governance, human rights and democracy.

Harper’s visit marks the 50th anniversary of Thai-Canadian diplomatic relations.