(06/11/2012)
 Thailand
has called for connectivity between Asia and Europe and the development
of new forms of economic relations for greater employment and trade
opportunities between the two regions.Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra exchanged views on economic and financial issues with other leaders of Asia and Europe at the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting, or ASEM 9. At the meeting, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 5-6 November 2012, Prime Minister Yingluck cited a “New Silk Route” as an example of connectivity between Asia and Europe, in addition to the existing maritime and air transport. She urged the two regions to support land transport networks between them, as well. The Prime Minister said that another long-term project is a high-speed train system linking Thailand with China and connecting further with Russia and Europe through the Trans-Siberian Railway. The complementary networks would be an option for goods transportation from Southeast Asia to Europe. This connectivity, supported by similar regulations on cross-border transport, would promote better flows for trade and investment. She told the meeting that ASEAN members were also accelerating connectivity across the region and economic expansion in preparation for the ASEAN Community in 2015. Regarding economic cooperation, Asian and European partnership accounts for about half of the world's GDP, around 60 percent of the world's population, and up to 60 percent of global trade. Prime Minister Yingluck stressed the need for Asia and Europe to join forces in combating trade protectionism and promoting trade and investment between them. The European Union (EU) is negotiating a number of free trade agreements with Asian partners in order to increase further market access and job opportunities. The President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso, paid an official visit to the Thailand on 4 November before leaving for ASEM 9. His visit to Thailand was the first official visit ever by a President of the European Commission. On this occasion, Prime Minister Yingluck invited the EU to take advantage of Thailand’s strategic location to intensify the EU’s trade and investment relations with ASEAN and beyond. Both leaders stated their firm commitment for an early conclusion of the Thailand-EU Partnership Cooperation Agreement and the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement in early 2013. President Barroso commended Thailand's proactive role in improving the connectivity of ASEAN and stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of territorial and maritime disputes. Prime Minister Yingluck encouraged the European Union to further engage more actively with ASEAN and intensify ASEAN-EU relations and cooperation. Both leaders welcomed the ongoing reforms in Myanmar and emphasized the importance of joint efforts to render support to Myanmar's reform process. |
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น
หมายเหตุ: มีเพียงสมาชิกของบล็อกนี้เท่านั้นที่สามารถแสดงความคิดเห็น