BANGKOK, Jan 27 – Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is to attend the 42th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) today and tomorrow (Jan 27-28) in Davos, Switzerland and will take the opportunity to regain the confidence of leaders and investors in Thailand after last year’s flood crisis.
Following her official visit to India as chief guest at the 63rd Republic Day celebration, Ms Yingluck travels to Switzerland for the WEF. This year’s theme is “The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models” reflecting world leaders worry about global complexities and linkages following the financial crisis that occurred in many parts of the world.
The main objectives of the Thai premier’s participation in the Davos forum focus on building a good image and showing Thailand’s vision in the international arena as well as rebuilding confidence among leaders and investors on Thai economy after the flood crisis last year that caused huge damage.
Ms Yingluck said that she would also use the forum to publicise the World Economic Forum on East Asia to be held in Bangkok May 30 to June 1.
The premier said she believed that her participation in the forum would rebuild confidence on the part of foreign investors to maintain their existing businesses in Thailand and moreover it could bring new investment to the country.
The WEF is an independent international organisation committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Over 2,500 participants from all over the world, including heads of state or government, business leaders, and members of the media are joining this year’s meeting.
Ms Yingluck is scheduled to participate in three main sessions including a round table discussion with international leaders and executives, an informal gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) on “Defining the Imperatives for 2012” covering sustainable economic growth.
She will be a keynote speaker at the opening conference called ” Women as the Way Forward,” intended to exchange opinions on the values and roles of female leaders.
Ms Yingluck will also discuss with business leaders and CEOs on “Public-Private Interaction on Thailand” to seek ways to develop Thailand’s economic potential and policy on water management and long term reform measures in Thailand.
The Thai prime minister will meet with leaders of a number of countries, including the presidents of Poland, Tanzania, Switzerland, and the prime minister of Pakistan. She will also discuss with business leaders from Sumitomo Chemical, Coca-Cola, and Swiss Re.
On the sidelines of the WEF, Thailand opens “Thai Night” this evening as an invitation and to publicise that it will host the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012.
Ms Yingluck said “Thai Night” should draw over 400 business leaders as another chance to tell investors of investment opportunities in Thailand.
