What is the current trade situation between France and Thailand?
The overall value of exchange between Thailand and France went up twenty percent last year from Bt14 billion French francs in 1999 to Bt17 billion French francs in 2000. Our cover rate of exports to imports also went up from thirty-three to forty-two percent. But by and large we have a structural deficit with Thailand, as does most of our European partners, with one caveat of course – providing that the statistics are correct (sometimes Thai and French statistics dont always match). However, we dont measure the importance of our relationship with Thailand on the scale of trade and exchange, even in the economic field. Investments are also considered as a major component of the whole picture. Besides, statistics are a useful reference but they can be misleading. Remember some of the Thai exports to France, e.g. Lacoste, originate from French companies manufacturing here. Are more and more French firms setting up in Thailand or is there a wait and see attitude? Definitely, there is more
