President of the Thailand Trade Representative, Kiat Sittheeamorn, came to Kolkata and met Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, but could not meet government officials.
Speaking to mediapersons, Sittheeamorn said, “We tried to meet with as many people as possible, but it so happened that only he was available this morning. The chief minister had to travel, but I will meet the Governor,” when asked about his meeting with Trinamool Congress leader, Partha Chatterjee.
The chief minister was supposed to be in Delhi for all-CM meet with the Prime Minister, but could not on health grounds.
The Thai official clarified that he was not picking sides. “We try to meet every body. The first object is courtesy call, to meet the government and Oppostion. We also wanted to send the message that we attach importance to the relation between India and Thailand, not only at the federal level, but state level, as well.”
During the interaction, Chatterjee said that more investments should be made in this part of the country.
Sittheeamorn was on a short visit to Kolkata and said, his main purpose was to meet business leaders. Earlier in the day, he address members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). “The main purpose is to encourage, tell them what is going on in Thailand and to meet as many political factions in the state,” said the Thai official.
Sitheeamorn also pointed out a few issues that the government could look into for more investments. “We need to see if there is an opportunity for the local government to look into the investment and tax regime of the state, so that it is competitive. Is the corporate income tax between local and foreign companies the same? If you invite a real estate developer, can they own land. Some of the Thai companies are showing interest in real estate development, but I came to know during my visit here that they cannot own land,” he said.