Ireland hopes to boost exports of information technology and education services to Thailand as the key South East Asian nation further liberalises its economy.

The vision to lift exports follows formal agreement on co-operation between the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland and the Thai Chamber of Commerce - through the Thai Board of Trade.

The signing is part of the Irish Trade Board's moves of recent years to expand trade and investment with Asia, reflecting economic globalisation.

Thailand is a key partner within the 10 member Association of South East Asian Nations - ASEAN - which is currently implementing the ASEAN free trade area (AFTA) of sharply reduced tariffs on a wide range of merchandise.

An agreement ceremony was overseen by Ireland's Ambassador to Malaysia and Thailand, Mr Dan Mulhall, as well as the chief executive officer of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, Mr John Dunne.

Thailand was represented by chairman of the Thai Board of Trade and Thai Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ajva Taulananda.

ASEAN director for Enterprise Ireland, Mr Anthony Courtney, said Thai businessmen were especially interested in Ireland's information technology services and industry, particularly in banking and financial services.

Mr Courtney said the agreement offered the chance to lift trade with Thailand. Irish exports to Thailand have centred on dairy products, food preparation items, electrical and manufactured goods. Imports from Thailand have featured electrical machinery, and computers.

He said talks during the visit by the Irish business delegation centred on investment opportunities and promotion of Ireland's education sector as more Thai students study overseas.