IBAP holds inaugural meeting

PHUKET TOWN: The fledgling International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP) held its inaugural meeting today at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, drawing a capacity crowd of 73 people. The meeting was held to introduce the concept and aims of the IBAP and to solicit discussion, questions and suggestions from those who attended. Keynote speaker Dr Prasit Koysiripong, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, appealed for unity, with Thai and foreign residents, government authorities and private parties working efficiently together. He said, “The Thai government has declared Phuket an international city and, therefore, many projects will be implemented in Phuket to reach the goal of being international. “Most of you [foreigners] have experience of good systems from your motherland. Please don’t hesitate to pass your knowledge and skills to your Thai partners and employees. You are also a key to Thailand’s development.” Other speakers at the meeting were Piriya Tantipiriyakij, Managing Director of Muang Mai Motor Phuket Co Ltd, and Ron Endley of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce Thailand. The IBAP will be officially established when elections for its general committee take place in January next year. In the meantime, it will continue to be guided by the current steering committee which has formulated and promulgated its objectives and written a draft constitution. Another general meeting is scheduled for November 24. The organization now has 60 members representing some 15 nationalities. Fifteen of the members are Thai, and members of the steering committee said they expect the Thai presence in the association to increase substantially in the coming months. Details of the IBAP may be found at thethaiger.comibap.