KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to set up task forces to boost several sectors including agriculture and tourism in the two countries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said they were given one month to submit a report to chart the next course of action.
"I'm pleased with the pragmatic business-like decision, which is rare in our normal bilateral relation.
"The one month is for agriculture, tourism, and security; of course trade and business, which will include the halal sector," he said in a Press conference broadcast live on his Facebook page today.
Anwar said the two nations hoped to increase trade investments, complement each other and benefit immensely from the each others experience.
"Hopefully, in one month, we'll meet after the report is submitted to me and (Thailand) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as we have a lot of multi-lateral meetings.
"I'm sure, based on his seriousness in developing relations in practical term, we will then compare the notes and execute effectively," said Anwar.
Two of the multi-lateral meetings would be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next week and in Japan in December, he said.
Meanwhile, Srettha said the security concern at the northern Malaysia-southern Thailand was one of the issues discussed with the Malaysian government.
"We agree to turn the minor war zone into a trade zone that would bring prosperity to the people in the northern Malaysia and southern Thailand.
"We may benefit good investment values and the number need to be enhanced, with a target would be set in the near future," he said.
Meanwhile, Srettha said the country hoped to obtain Malaysia's halal certification in its effort to export such food products.
He said Thailand is a food-secured nation, with advanced agricultural technologies.
"Hence, we feel that we could increase productivity. Malaysia needs food and has the halal branding that could help Thailand to market the products globally."
On automotive sector, he said a meeting would be held later to discuss Proton-Geely joint venture's interest in opening an electric vehicle (EV) factory in Thailand.
"They (Proton and Geely) look to set up an EV factory in Thailand, with a meeting would be held later and hopefully, a clear next step can be established and move forward quickly," said Srettha.
