PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to attend two significant regional conferences in Kunming, China. These gatherings, scheduled today, November 6, and tomorrow, will precede her journey to Peru for the APEC summit on Sunday, as confirmed by Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.
The initial conference is the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Programme Summit (GMS Summit), followed by the 10th meeting of the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). These events are poised to bring together regional leaders from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China.
“The discussions at the GMS Summit will revolve around addressing disparities through the three pillars of connectivity, competitiveness, and community.”
The president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and GMS Business Council representatives will also participate in these crucial talks.
In the ACMECS meeting, chaired by Laos, the five-member nations will assess progress in executing the 2019-2023 ACMECS master plan. This plan emphasises seamless connectivity, synchronised economies, and intelligent, sustainable cooperation development.
Thailand is eager to foster collaboration to tackle pressing challenges such as transnational crime, transboundary pollution, and climate change. Jirayu highlighted the need for a central connection point within the sub-region’s cooperation frameworks, a role Thailand is keen to assume.
ACMECS, initiated by Thailand in 2003, is a cooperative framework among the five countries. Its primary goal is to bridge regional development gaps and bolster unity among ASEAN nations, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, a recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with PM Paetongtarn emerging as the most popular coalition politician.
The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25 different areas using a scale of 1 to 10.
In other news, the 38 year old Thai premier attended the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits at the National Convention Centre in Laos at 9.30am on October 9.
