While opening the CLMVT+ Forum 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister has reiterated the need for cooperation among member countries post COVID-19 to make the region a center for trade and investment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit, presided over the opening of the “CLMVT+ Forum 2021: Accelerating a Resilient Recovery”, which is being attended by the ambassadors of Cambodia and Lao PDR. Speaking at the ceremony, the DPM remarked that due to the scourge of COVID-19, economic aid for those affected remains an urgent matter for the governments of all nations, but noted that administrations must also look to economic recovery once the pandemic subsides. He stated Thailand’s intention at this year’s forum is to enhance ties with Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam, as well as their trading partners, so that economic measures may lead rehabilitation post COVID-19, adding the Kingdom is committed to promoting trading ties among CLMVT so that it may become a center for commerce and investment.
Jurin explained that handling COVID-19 takes a flexible approach that is committed to sustainability. He pointed to restarting border trade as one way to reinvigorate commerce and said his administration supports mechanisms such as properly performing border transport.
The minister noted that trade matters must be considered with social aspects also in mind, pointing to environmentalism and the grass roots economy as important. He explained Thailand’s approach will be to enhance SMEs and Micro enterprises while also promoting innovative technologies such as the Blockchain to open new avenues. The DPM voiced his belief that the CLMVT Forum, which encompasses five countries with a total over 244 million people, will boost investor confidence and draw attention to the region.
