Istanbul: Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce, attended the 40th COMCEC meeting in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey, to strengthen relations and economic cooperation between Thailand and Muslim countries. Mr. Chomklin emphasized the importance of this meeting, which serves as a key platform for economic discussions among the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart revealed that Thailand participated in the meeting as an observer country, invited by the Government of the Republic of Turkey. The 40th anniversary of the COMCEC meeting, chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focused on the theme ‘Application of Digital Technology in Payment Systems of OIC Member Countries.’ Thailand showcased its advancements in digital payment technologies, supported by government initiatives such as the National E-payment System, and the promotion of cashless transactions through systems like PromptPay and mobile payment services.

The Organis
ation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) comprises 57 member countries across various regions, offering a promising market for Thailand. Many of these countries are developing nations with increasing demand for consumer goods, particularly agricultural and halal products, presenting opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to expand exports.

In the first nine months of 2024, trade between Thailand and OIC countries reached 70,103 million US dollars. Thai exports accounted for 28,673 million US dollars, including key products like automobiles, rice, and chemicals. Imports from the OIC countries totaled 41,430 million US dollars, with significant imports being crude oil, natural gas, and electrical circuits.