MILAN, Oct 17 Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha has called for increasing cooperation between Asian and European countries and for Europe to participate more in mobilising funds for investment in basic infrastructure projects in the Asian region.
His proposals were made Thursday in a speech at the opening of the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) which opened in this Italian city on Wednesday.
Leaders of 51 countries and two international organisations are participating in the four-day meeting, began Wednesday.
Gen Prayut said Thailand has constantly helped develop partnership between the two regions in the past and because of the global complexity, there is a need for reviewing strategies designed for promoting financial and economic cooperation between the two regions.
There is a need for political leadership in widening Asia-Europe connectivity as well as using knowledge and expertise, resources and investment, said Gen Prayut, adding that he would like to propose three major strategies.
He said Thailand has plans to develop basic infrastructures which would connect with its neighbouring countries.
These projects are aimed at developing goods transportation, services and labour in order to open new markets to cater for the launching of the ASEAN Economic Community, due to get off the ground at end-2015, and for the future cooperation between Asia and Europe, said Gen Prayut.
He also urged every party to realise a possible shortage of food and energy in future due to global climate change and rising demand.
On Thursday, Gen Prayut held bilateral talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen and both agreed not to let the two countries’ border problem to obstruct trade and investment.
Gen Prayut proposed that the two countries help cooperate in maritime energy resources, set up a special economic zone in Thai border area opposite the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet, establish facilities for Cambodian people to work in Thailand.
Mr Hun Sen, meanwhile, agreed to Gen Prayut’s proposals and asked that they be discussed in detail during his October 30-31 visit to Cambodia.
Yesterday Gen Prayut also met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, whom he asked for more Singaporean investment in Thailand, especially in agricultural products food processing.
Gen Prayut also asked for more cooperation in developing transportation modes between the two countries.
In response, Mr Lee said the Thai government should accelerate boosting confidence for foreign investors and tourists and invited Gen Prayut to visit and explain Thailand’s concerns and situation to the Singapore business community.
