KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his Thai counterpart Thaksin Shinawatra will attend the "Malaysia-Thailand Technology and Business Partnership Dialogue" which begins in the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi on Sunday, the Star newspaper reported Friday.

It said the two premiers will deliver keynote addresses at the opening plenary session of the two-day event, which is expected to bring together more than 300 participants from both countries.

The participants will comprise key economic development officials and policy-makers from relevant ministries, captains of industry, academic experts and entrepreneurs.

The dialogue is jointly organised by the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand in collaboration with the Malaysian International Trade and Industry Ministry.

Its theme is "Harnessing Strategic Business and Technology Partnership for economic growth."

The Star newspaper quoted a a MIGHT official as saying that Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would deliver the dialogues summation and Closing address on Monday.

Other key speakers include International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz and Thailand's Science and Technology Minister Phinij Jarusombat.

He said the dialogue would promote techno-business co-operation between the private sectors of both countries, particularly on agro-biotechnology and agriculture, information and communications technology, the automotive,electrical and electronics sectors, ecotourism and sustainable development.

Malaysia is Thailand's fifth largest trading partner, while Thailand is Malaysia's seventh largest trading partner, the official said.

Malaysia's bilateral trade with Thailand amounted to US$7.13 billion last year.
(Bernama)