TEHRAN -- A prominent economic delegation from Thailand is due to arrive here on Friday for a three-day visit, Thai Ambassador to Iran Mahadi Wimana said. Speaking to the TEHRAN TIMES, Wimana added, "The delegation, headed by Thai Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Commercial Affairs Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, is visiting Iran at the invitation of Iranian Commerce Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari." During their stay here, the members of Thai delegation will meet with a number of Iranian officials including the Minister of Post, Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) Mohammad Reza Aref. Aref and Dr. Supachai co-chair the Iran-Thailand Joint Commission for Economic and Commercial Cooperation. "Iran and Thai officials will explore ways to expand the bilateral ties in economic and commercial areas," Wimana said, adding, "There are wide areas in both countries for joint investment by Iran and Thailand." The 5th meeting of the joint commission was held in Tehran in July, when both sides agreed on the implementation of various projects in industry and trade.

"During their next week's meeting, the Iranian and Thai officials will review the follow-up of the projects agreed in July," the ambassador noted. The Thai delegation also includes representatives from the Export-Import Bank, the Petroleum Authority and Rice Exporters Association. Dr. Supachai is scheduled to deliver a speech about Asian economic crisis and its recovery at the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) on Sunday. Thai deputy premier, considered by Asia and the West as an outstanding economist, was a strong contender against New Zealand's Mike Moore for chairmanship of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The competition has led to a deadlock, and a decision is due in the near future.

Most of the Asian, African and some European countries supported Dr. Supachai in his bid for the WTO's top post.