Trump seeks to reduce trade deficit with Thailand

Washington Oct 3 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has suggested reducing trade deficit with Thailand when meeting with visiting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the White House.

"Our relationship on trade is becoming more and more important. And it s a great country to trade with " Trump told Prayut On Monday ahead of their bilateral talks.

"I think we re going to try and sell a little bit more to you now make that a little bit better if that s possible."

Statistics from the US Trade Representative shows that Washington maintained an $18.9 billion trade deficit with Thailand in 2016.

Over the past decade two-way trade between Washington and Bangkok grew by more than 36 per cent with US exports to Thailand increased by over 30 per cent to $10.6 billion.

Major US export categories to the southeastern country include electrical machinery machinery aircraft optical and medical instruments and vehicles.

"We have a very strong relationship right now " said Trump.

Thailand will work closely to further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries said Prayut.

--IANS
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