Remarks by Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, at the Joint Press Conference on The World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012 in Thailand 28 May 2012 at 11.00-12.00 hours. Nareesamosorn Building, Government House
Good morning,
Mr. Sushant Rao, Senior Director,
Head of Asia of the World Economic Forum,
Distinguished Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour and pleasure for the Government and people of Thailand to host the 21st World Economic Forum on East Asia from the 30th of May to the 1st of June in Bangkok under the theme “Shaping the Region’s Future through Connectivity”.
Realizing the dynamic developments and opportunities in East Asia and its contribution to the global economy, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra shared her vision and Thailand’s experience at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos early this year under the theme “The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models”. To complement the theme of the World Economic Forum in Davos as well as to address recent developments in the region such as the vital role of the ASEAN Community in 2015, the increasing economic role of China, Japan and South Korea as well as the strategic connectivity within the Greater Mekong Subregion countries, the theme of this year’s WEF on East Asia, “Shaping the region’s future through connectivity”, is very timely.
It is undeniable that the progress made towards realizing the ASEAN Community in 2015 has drawn global attention as a key engine of growth to drive the East Asian economy forward. In addition, the region’s connectivity which ranges from transportation networks, ICT, infrastructure development to people-to-people contact are crucial for deepening integration of the region and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market. However, persistent challenges remain which need to be addressed, for example, financial volatility, natural disaster preparedness, food security and energy security. This premier gathering among public, private and academic leaders will discuss the future direction of East Asia and appropriate responses to the current global challenges and opportunities.
This is the first time that the WEF on East Asia will be held in Bangkok. The Royal Thai Government has attached great importance to ensure the success of this event. We established the National Organizing Committee to oversee the preparations for both logistic and substantive aspects. As a prelude to the meeting, on 30th May, private sessions will be organized on five key potential sectors, namely, tourism, agriculture, ICT, food security, energy and health, which will be attended by the respective Ministers. The 31st May or the following day will commence with the CNBC Power Breakfast which the Prime Minister will address and interact with corporate leaders. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will deliver welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony and will host a Gala Dinner for all participants. We will showcase our Thai cuisine and splendid Thai cultural performances. At night, fire boats will sail down the Chao Phraya River and illuminate a spectacular display, memories of which we hope the participants will take home with them.
Hosting the World Economic Forum on East Asia will therefore not only demonstrate Thailand’s progress in the economic and political sphere but also lead to mutual benefits such as increased bilateral and regional cooperation, both with state players and the international business community. Given the overwhelming positive response to the meeting, the Bangkok event is shaping up to be one of the region’s most important gatherings. The message that will emanate from the event will resonate around the world, underscoring East Asia’s pre-eminent role in enhancing global economic growth and development as well as the role that the region has and can play in addressing the challenges facing the region and the world at large.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th