Thailand and Sikkim mull joint ventures in pilgrimage and wellness tourism

GANGTOK,(IPR): Chief secretary V.B Pathak today chaired a meeting with Ambassador of Thailand to India Pattarat Hongtong and other delegates from the Embassy of Thailand, at Tashiling Secretariat.

The visiting delegates are in Sikkim for five days from September 9 till September 13.

The meeting today was also attended by Acharapan Yavapravas, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata; Saithong Soiphet, Minister Counsellor (Commerce), Director of Thai Trade Centre, New Delhi; other delegates from Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, Royal Thai Consulate General, Kolkata and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The representatives from the State government included HODs and officers from Tourism and Civil Aviation, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Skill Development and Commerce and Industries departments.

In his opening remarks, V.B Pathak spoke about the need to collaborate and develop viable strategies to improve bilateral cooperation between the two regions.

Since there are stark similarities between Sikkim and Thailand in terms of culture, religion (Buddhism), cuisines, etc., it is only natural that the two governments work together to strengthen the symbiotic relationship for mutual economic benefit, he said.

Apart from Sikkim’s potential in organic farming, the chief secretary suggested for development of Buddhism circuit in order to attract more international tourists from South Asian countries. Further, food processing, marketing of ‘Dalle’ or cherry pepper, handicrafts and handloom sector, adventure and wellness tourism are some of the key areas that the Thai government could consider looking into for future investment, he added.

The departments of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Commerce and Industries, Education, Skill Development, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services made presentations on possible investments opportunities in their respective sectors.

Some of the key areas discussed were the development of pilgrimage tourism, road shows in Sikkim and Thailand in connection with wellness tourism, handicrafts and textile product development and upskilling, food processing, export of organic Sikkimese produce, technological support, and processing of yak and dairy products.

Ambassador Pattarat Hongtong thanked the Government of Sikkim for the hospitality and the excellent arrangement during their stay. The effective management allowed them to explore some of the key areas of Sikkim, within limited time and they hope to return for more, she said.

The Ambassador discussed the various commonalities in the cultural and social life between the two regions and underlined the need to explore possibilities of close cooperation in trade and commerce between Thailand and Sikkim. In order to push forward the idea of collaboration between the two regions in various sectors, as discussed during the course of the two-day meetings, the Ambassador suggested for an official proposal to be placed before the Thai Government by the Government of Sikkim. Proposals can be forwarded to Thailand International Cooperation Agency for follow-up actions, she said. Further, delegation from Sikkim could participate in cross-cultural engagement events and festivals organised by Thai Embassy in order to promote Sikkim tourism among Thai agencies and Thai people.

The Ambassador also requested for a Thai person to be designated as a point-of-contact for the Thai tourists visiting Sikkim as there seem to be none at this point.