Minister reaffirmed Thailand's readiness under AEC

02/02/2016

On 2 February 2016, Aichi Prefecture invited Ambassadors and representatives from ASEAN Embassies to participate in the annual 「Aichi-Nagoya Network & International Exchange which is a forum to create awareness and promote better understanding about ASEAN countries in Aichi prefecture, which is not only an important production base in Japan but also a major trading and investment partner of ASEAN countries.

This year, the theme was on the prospects of ASEAN countries following the realization of ASEAN Economic Community at the end of last year. The forum witnessed around 200 participants from the academic sector, the business sector, as well as members of relavant agencies.

On this occasion, Minister Bhakavat Tanskul, Deputy Chief of Mission, attended the forum on behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy. He addressed the participants by stating that given Thailand's strategic location in the region, it had been promoting connectivity by developing and establishing various forms of infrastructure including the Special Economic Zones along the borders and the public transportation and rail systems. Meanwhile, Minister Bhakavat emphasized that Thailand would host International Headquarters and International Trading Centers to enable easy access for investors to both Thailand and beyond. All these correspond with the Thailand + 1 policy which aims at promoting investment in ASEAN as a whole.

In conclusion, Minister Bhakavat stressed that provided the existing amicable ties and strong partnership, Thailand would serve as a gateway for Japan to conveniently enter the ASEAN market.