Belgium seeks closer ties - Bangkok Post
Michel Parys, the Belgian Ambassador to Thailand, gives the opening remarks at the ceremony on Tuesday.(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) Belgium has called for closer cooperation with Thailand in trade, parliamentary affairs and maritime development, citing shared interests and opportunities for collaboration.
Michel Parys, the Belgian Ambassador to Thailand, made the remarks at the Belgian embassy's King's Day reception in Bangkok on Nov 3, which marked the 158th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Mr Parys said Belgian exports to Thailand were worth about β¬1 billion (37.82 billion baht) a year. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 24% of exports, while machinery, including heavy equipment, electrical appliances and medical instruments, made up 15%.
Other major exports included plastics, chemicals, metals and precision products.
Thailand's main exports to Belgium included vehicles, electric vehicles, motorcycles and parts, as well as integrated circuits.
Mr Parys reaffirmed Belgium's support for Thailand's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), saying membership could help drive domestic reforms, economic growth, investor confidence, transparency and anti-corruption efforts. He also expressed hope that Thailand and the European Union would conclude a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Andries Gryffroy, first vice-president of the Belgian Senate and chairman of the Belgian-Thai Bilateral Section of the Belgian Inter-Parliamentary Union, called for stronger parliamentary ties through exchanges between lawmakers. He said closer cooperation could promote dialogue among political parties, strengthen networks and build trust between the two countries.
Mr Gryffroy, who was visiting Thailand with a Belgian parliamentary delegation, said the group had held productive discussions with the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources and Environment. It was also scheduled to visit Parliament for discussions on geopolitics and climate change.
He identified maritime cooperation as another promising area, noting that both countries depended on predictable international rules and could work together on port efficiency, green energy, carbon neutrality and innovation.
Belgium could share its expertise in port management through the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Ghent, as well as in offshore wind power, hydrogen technology, the circular economy, pharmaceuticals and sustainable technologies, he said.
