By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Thailand and Mauritius are nations which are connected by a shared commitment to economic prosperity, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration. Economically, Thailand and Mauritius have explored avenues for trade and investment, with bilateral trade witnessing steady growth. Thailand’s expertise in industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture complements Mauritius’ strengths in sectors like finance, textiles, and seafood processing. This synergy has fostered opportunities for joint ventures and business partnerships, benefiting both economies. Culturally, Thailand and Mauritius celebrate their rich heritage through cultural exchanges, and educational programs. These initiatives promote cultural understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations. Furthermore, Thailand and Mauritius collaborate on regional and international platforms, including within organizations such as ASEAN and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Through dialogue and cooperation, they address common challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and sustainable development.
We speak with H.E. Mr. Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of South Africa and he shares insights of how both nations enjoy a multifaceted relationship characterised by mutual cooperation, economic synergy, and cultural exchange. Excerpts:
- What are the key areas where Thailand and Mauritius can further strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties, and what specific initiatives are being considered to promote these relations?
Thailand and Mauritius have enjoyed a good relationship since 1979. Despite the burden of distance, we share many common interests and values for growth and development. Lately, trade and investment would be the key priority areas. Up to present, our trade focuses mainly on certain goods such as automotive parts and food. The food products from Thailand are high quality and appreciated by Mauritian consumers. Thailand positions itself as the “kitchen of the world” and exports food across the globe, including Mauritius. The cooperation can therefore be strengthened on food security, development projects on sufficiency economy, and agricultural development. Furthermore, Thailand and Mauritius coastlines share the same ocean, hence Blue Economy is also one of the areas we wish to cooperate with Mauritius. Not to forget tourism, which is Thailand’s expertise as well as Mauritius’s vibrant and endless tourism destinations, exchanges of knowledge and experiences will be beneficial for our tourism industries.
- Thailand and Mauritius have a history of cooperation in various sectors. How can both countries leverage their shared interests in sectors like trade, tourism, and education to enhance bilateral relations?
In terms of trade, the recently elected government of the Kingdom of Thailand was chosen to encourage and support Thai companies to engage in a more proactive and responsive manner in sharing our commercial knowledge practice to the international markets. We emphasise investment and exports of Thai products to global markets including to Mauritius’s industry. Labelling goes in French in order to reach local people effectively is a new approach. We also promote the Thai hospitality industry to do more business in Mauritius. The Thai Government also proposed an agreement on tourist visa exemption scheme with Mauritius. We hope that this agreement will enhance a better people-to-people connection as well as increase trade and investment from both sides. Regarding education, the Thai Government offers numbers of scholarships and trainings for Mauritians be it on agricultural development, sufficiency economy philosophy, tourism, or medicine. Up until now, we have more than 80 recipients from Mauritius. We hope to see more and more Mauritians participating in our scholarship and training programmes. People-to-people bonds go along way to all elements of relations between countries.
- Could you share insights into the existing trade agreements or partnerships between Thailand and Mauritius and how these agreements can be expanded to boost trade and investment?
There is unfortunately no trade agreement between our two countries yet. But Thailand is in the process of studying the possibilities of new trade arrangements.
- Collaboration between the business communities of both countries is crucial for economic growth. How is the embassy facilitating business partnerships and investments between Thai and Mauritian companies?
Currently, our Commercial Office has a trade representative in Mauritius, Mr. Jean-Michel Ng Fo Shing. He is helping us with trade relations with Mauritius. We aim to increase our bilateral trade volume which is currently at 60 million USD. In terms of investment, the Embassy also supports the Thai businesses in Mauritius, links them with relevant authorities and seeks Mauritian Government’s kind assistance if need be. At the same time, the Embassy is ready to facilitate Mauritian investors who wish to invest in Thailand, be it in the Special Economic Zones or elsewhere.
- Thailand and Mauritius are known for their vibrant tourism industries. How can both nations collaborate to promote tourism and cultural exchanges, attracting more visitors from one country to the other?
People-to-people connections are always our priority. Thailand, as one of the most visited countries in the world, has expertise on tourism management and promotion of destinations. We are keen to exchange knowledge and best practices with Mauritius. And with the tourist visa exemption scheme agreement that we are working on, the interactions between our tourists will surely increase. Regarding cultural activities, the two governments are now negotiating an MoU on cooperation in the field of arts and culture. Once the MoU is signed, more exchanges will certainly take place such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, and exchanges of artists.
- ASEAN plays a significant role in Thailand’s foreign policy. How do you see Mauritius’s potential involvement or cooperation with ASEAN, and how can this benefit both parties?
ASEAN always looks forward to meaningful cooperation with external partners. Mauritius can therefore apply for that sectoral dialogue partner status whereby cooperation in the areas of mutual interests can be initiated, such as trade, tourism, development and climate change. For Thailand, we always see the value of having partners and cooperation.
- Given the importance of digitalization and technology in the modern economy, what opportunities exist for Thai and Mauritian tech companies to collaborate and expand into each other’s markets?
Since Thailand is moving forward to a more digitalised economy, one of the areas in which we can collaborate is FinTech and development of e-commerce and e-banking. The Thai Government also encourages SMEs and start-ups to include innovation and technology in their businesses. The Thai Government stands firmly behind the actions of the tech sectors in both countries for a closer collaboration.
- Environmental sustainability is a global concern. Are there plans for Thailand and Mauritius to collaborate on environmental and climate-related initiatives, such as renewable energy or conservation efforts?
Thailand attaches high importance to the Bio-Circular-Green economy (BCG) model, technology and innovation are therefore so much required to achieving sustainability goal. Investing in Thailand on any industries that are related to BCG would give the investors special incentives. Moreover, as environmental challenges have become the world’s priority including Thailand, the Thai Government is keen to work with our partners to cope with the challenges. Since both Thailand and Mauritius confront a high risk of the increase of sea level because of the global warming, our scientists can certainly join hands and work on environmental innovation that would help us better protect the coastlines.
- Thailand’s expertise in agriculture and food processing is well-recognized. How can Thailand assist Mauritius in enhancing its agricultural and food production sectors through knowledge exchange and partnerships?
As I mentioned earlier, the Thai Government through Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) has been granting more than 80 scholarships and trainings both on-site and online to Mauritians on the areas of our expertise such as agricultural development, food security and sustainability. So, the cooperation is going well. However, the Thai Government encourages the Mauritian Government to advertise the offers more and send more applicants so that these Mauritian scholarship recipients can go back to their country and use their knowledge to improve their livelihood, economy and the country, especially in vertical agriculture and aquaponics, and smart farming. - In the context of ASEAN and Mauritius, what potential diplomatic and economic benefits can stem from closer collaboration, and how do you envision Thailand playing a role in facilitating such cooperation?
Mauritius as number one in the ease of doing business in Africa can be the gateway for ASEAN to increase trade with Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area. At the same time, trade from Africa to ASEAN can go through Mauritius. That could be the key selling point of Mauritius with ASEAN. For Thailand, we believe in South-South cooperation and are keen to facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation and promoting more significant exchanges between our regions.
