Thailand to trade rice, rubber for Russian helicopters
Thailand and Russian agreed to barter farm products for helicopters during Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s recent visit to the European country, said Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.
Don said Russia wanted to buy 80,000 tonnes of natural rubber and an amount of rice, while Thailand wanted to purchase Russian-made helicopters to be used in fighting bushfires.
A working group from both countries will discuss details of the barter deal, such as the exact amount of products involved, the foreign minister said.
Russia also promised to support Thailand 's bid to become a new member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Don said, adding that Thailand was preparing to apply to join the group.
He said that by joining the EAEU, Thailand 's goal of boosting trade volume with Russia by five times in five years would be more easily achieved.