23 Mar 2013

Govt pledges boost in trade with Thailand

5:35 am on 23 March 2013

New Zealand's government has pledged to double exports to Thailand by 2020 and work more collaboratively with the country in education and science.

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra received an official state welcome at Government House in Auckland on Friday.

She is in the country for three days on her first official visit.

Prime Minister, John Key, says the two countries have had a good relationship for nearly six decades and both have mutual interests in science and education.

He says about 3000 Thai students arrive in New Zealand every year.

Ms Shinawatra has also invited Mr Key to visit Thailand.

On Saturday the Thai leader will go on a guided bush walk in Titirangi, in West Auckland.