On 30 November 2009, Mr. Fujio Mitarai, Chairman of Japanese Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), led a high-level delegation to pay a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya at Buaw Kaew Room. Gist as follows:
Keidanren Chairman referred to its organization’s recommendations during the East Asia Summit in October 2009, encouraging Japan to play an active role to contribute to a sustainable economy in Asia and its support for the Plan of Action leading to further economic integration and trade and investment expansion in the region. The Keidanren Chairman also emphasized the importance of Mekong Sub-Region, the East-West Economic Corridor and Southern Economic Corridor. He expressed hope that Japan will closely cooperate with Thailand as a hub of Mekong’s industrial network and pledged Keidanren’s continued support for Free Trade Agreement under the framework of ASEAN+3 and ASEAN+6, including movement of people, trade and services under the framework of Economic Partnership Agreement.
On this occasion, Foreign Minister Kasit showed appreciation for the Keidanren delegation’s visit to Thailand and assured the delegation of the Royal Thai Government’s close cooperation with Japan in achieving a sustainable economy under the framework of Japan-Mekong Sub-Region and other frameworks. In addition, he mentioned Thailand’s role as Chairman of ASEAN during the past 18 months in supporting free trade and working closely with the Asian Development Bank and the UNESCAP to develop regional infrastructure such as transportation and public facilities.Foreign Minister Kasit also expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued support to on the above-mentioned matters and reaffirmed Thailand’s intentions to work closely with both Japanese public and private sectors.
During the visit to Thailand, the Keidanren delegation is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the Prime Minister, the Ministers of Finance and Industry and the ASEAN Secretary-General.
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