Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has pledged full cooperation with Japan and countries in the sub-Mekong region during the 7th Mekong-Japan Summit.
In his speech, PM Prayut expressed his appreciation of Japan’s continued support for the development of the sub-Mekong region both in terms of finance and academic assistance. PM Prayut stressed that the Thai government was fully aware of the need to address social and economic gaps to create an ambience of trust among member nations.
To promote sustainable prosperity in the region, General Prayut has proposed four areas of cooperation; namely regional connectivity, human resources, environmental conservation and agriculture.
According to the premier, transport and logistics systems of member countries should be closely connected to facilitate investment and transfer of goods and labor. Thailand has played an active role in promoting trans-national connectivity by offering financial and academic help to ongoing projects in Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. In the future, transport links should be expanded to other regions as well.
To upgrade the labor market in the Mekong sub-region, Thailand is ready to work with Japan on the improvement of workers’ skills and knowledge and would also like to invite Japan to invest in the sub-region as a way to promote technology transfer. Meanwhile, the country is establishing skill development centers in border provinces to support the labor transfer.
While economic growth and people’s well-being are of paramount importance, PM Prayut pointed out that environmental protection was also the key to sustainable development. He reaffirmed the country’s willingness to continue to co-host the Green Mekong Forum with Japan.
PM Prayut also indicated that member nations should never forget to reinforce the agricultural sector which is the lifeline for the Mekong region. He reiterated that member countries should closely mobilize their efforts to ensure stability and security within the region, adding that Thailand was ready to strengthen collaboration with the Mekong sub-region and Japan to achieve these aims.
