New Delhi, June 27:

Thailand’s prime minister today launched a weeklong tour of major Indian cities by prominent Thai investors to look into new business opportunities.

“I do hope our business people will fully utilize this roadshow to further strengthen our partnership,” prime minister Surayud Chulanont said at a meeting with India’s top business leaders.

He asked India to play a major role in promoting information technology in Asia.

Thailand would, in particular, welcome the Indian investment in information technology and pharmaceuticals, Surayud said.

“Our cooperation has developed in both bilateral and multilateral fora in all sectors, including trade, investment, security, transport, science and technology, energy, technical cooperation and culture,” he said.

India-Thailand FTA:

NEW DELHI: India and Thailand have stepped up negotiations to conclude a landmark FTA by 2010, Thai prime minister Surayud Chulanont on Tuesday said. Allaying apprehensions of investors after a military-led government took over power last September, the Thai leader assured that the cou-ntry’s economy was in top form and full democracy would be restored after elections, to be held soon. — HNS