The Phnom Penh-based Thailand-Cambodia Business Council has called for the government to set up an equivalent body in Thailand to help boost trade between the two nations.

Speaking on December 20 during the 5th Greater Mekong Subregion summit in Bangkok, Thailand-Cambodia Business Council (TCBC) chairman Chanitr Charnchainarong urged Cambodian Minister of Commerce Sun Chanthol to set up the council “as soon as possible”.

Ministry of Commerce spokesman Ken Ratha said yesterday that the ministry welcomed the suggestion.

“It would be like the TCBC, and closely work with the Cambodian government to spread information to their businesses to better understand Cambodia’s trade situation,” he said.

Ratha said he could not detail when the council might be established.

The Post reported in March 2013 that a potential Thai-based TCBC would be established, citing a memorandum of understanding between the Chambers of Commerce from both countries.

But Nguon Mengtech, director general of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, said yesterday that the agreement was still waiting approval of both countries’ ministers of commerce.