PM and Mekong leaders welcome Japanese private sector to join in development of Mekong sub-region

09/10/2018

PM and Mekong leaders welcome Japanese private sector to join in development of Mekong sub-region

October 9, 2018, at 1400hrs (local time), at Palace Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and leaders of Mekong sub-regional countries attended the Mekong – Japan Business Forum organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Gist of the Prime Minister’s statement is as follows:

The Prime Minister commended JETRO for organizing the event for all stakeholders to be able to share visions and opinions on how to mobilize cooperation for sustainable growth of the Mekong sub-region. He also thanked JETRO for its crucial role in promoting Japanese investment in Thailand.

According to the Prime Minister, Mekong sub-regional countries are adjusting themselves to the current world. The 5-year Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Master Plan has been approved with an aim for the development of seamless connectivity in physical, regulatory, and people aspects. Thailand has also implemented the 20-year national strategy to focus on quality growth without leaving anyone behind through uplifting industrial and service sectors, and preparing skilled workers for Industry 4.0 and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Japanese investors are welcomed to take part in these endeavors.

The Prime Minister underscored Thailand’s political stability and constant economic development. Thailand’s economic growth stood at 3.9% last year, and is projected at 4.2-4.7% for 2018. He also mentioned the Government’s future economic policy under Thailand 4.0 framework, and the benefits Japanese private sector will receive from investing in the EEC.

At the end, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Thai Government strives to promote sub-regional connectivity, together with human resource development and environmental conservation, and expressed hope that the Japanese private sector would be able to join force with Thailand, and play an important role in achieving the goals.