The Prime Minister and her delegation comprising Mr.Surapong Tovijakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Boonsong Teriyaphirom, Minister of Commerce, M.R.Phongsawat Svastiwat, Minister of Industry, Mr.Suranan Vejjajiva, Secretary-General of the Prime Minister, Miss Sansanee Nakphong, Prime Minister Office Spokesperson arrived at the ORLY Airport, Paris, the Republic of France. The French side welcomed the Prime Minister and her delegation at the Pavillon d’Honneur. After that the Prime Minister left the ORLY Airport and went to stay at the Le Westin Paris Vendome Hotel.

The Republic of France is one of the big five world political and military powers and an important global knowledge source in technology, culture and education. France is a member of European Union with a role in shaping the direction and policy of the European Union along with Germany. Up to the present, the Thailand-France bilateral relationship was smooth with the exchange of visits at all levels and sectors. The relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership, having the first Thailand-France joint plan of action (Year 2004-2008) as the base for cooperation and relationship promotion in all aspects. The second Thailand-France joint plan of action (Year 2010-2014) was the mechanism aiming to promote cooperation with mutual benefit such as human rights, energy, sustainable development, trade and investment promotion, building mutual business network and trilateral cooperation.

France was the fourth largest trade partner of Thailand in the European Union with the total trade volume 4,065 million USD. The major export products from Thailand were garments, air-conditioning and parts, computer and parts, precious stones and jewellery, tyre products, lens, canned seafood and processed food, rice. Thailand imports high valued products from France namely aircraft, paragliding, accessories and parts, machinery, electronic machinery and components and cosmetics.

During the visit, the Prime Minister was scheduled to discuss with Mr.Francois Hollande, President of the Republic of France and Mr.Jean-Marc Ayrault, Prime Minister of the Republic of France, including the visit at the Pavillon d’Arsenal, Paris, to observe urban living development and urban management.

The leading Thai businessmen accompanied the Prime Minister composed of various business groups from food and agriculture, automobile parts industry, energy, fashion and medicine, including the representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Bankers Association. The Thai business groups would also join the business seminar to exchange view with the French businessmen to expand business opportunities.