Apec CEO Summit shows region is moving forward again: Prayut
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) CEO Summit is a positive sign signalling the region is moving forward again, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Thursday as he opened the summit at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.
He thanked the private sector for playing a key role in supporting the Bio-Circular-Green economy model, which Thailand has adopted as a national agenda and strategy to reboot the post-pandemic economy.
“Cooperation and determination by all sectors, especially the partnership between the public and private sectors, are keys to building a sustainable and inclusive future,” he said.
Sustainability is considered the most important issue as it will enable businesses to grow while protecting the environment, Prayut said, adding that resources must be used to the fullest potential with minimal pollution.
He explained that Thailand is working on sustainable development, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving regulations to attract investors and adopting digital technology to be ready for the digital age.
The country will cooperate with private agencies to enable the Asia-Pacific region to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth without leaving anyone behind, he said.
“This is a crucial time for Thailand as the global spotlight is on the country as one of the member economies, tasked with charting economic policy and a paradigm for the region and the world,” he said.
The PM urged the leaders to adopt the Bangkok Goals initiative, which would allow Apec to drive its objectives of boosting sustainable trade, zero waste and inclusive growth.
Apec CEO Summit chairman Poj Aramwattananont felt cooperation and strong resolve would enable the Asia-Pacific region to overcome global uncertainty.
He said there are many challenges in the post-Covid-19 era, such as economic uncertainty, world confusion, environmental risks and a looming food and energy security shortage.
“We are optimistic that regional cooperation and strong resolve will get us through the global uncertainty. We must acknowledge that the world needs solutions which reflect sustainable practices, inclusivity and innovation,” he said.
He explained that the CEO Summit theme “Embrace, Engage and Enable” is an extension of Thailand’s Apec 2022 theme:
• Embrace: welcoming opportunities and strengthening economic alliances.
• Engage: joining forces to collaborate, innovate, and navigate together towards a shared future in a sustainable manner.
• Enable: expanding economic opportunities to allow businesses to operate more efficiently and more inclusively.
“We are setting the stage for leaders to share their vision and join forces in driving sustainable and equitable growth,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity to search for solutions to current challenges faced by the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”
Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, said Thailand had launched a host of initiatives that have transformed its economy, especially during this time of national recovery, and have set the country on a clear path to stability, prosperity and sustainability.
“With the PM’s oversight, there has been solid investment in essential infrastructure aimed at boosting Thailand’s productivity,” he said.
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Thailand has proven to be one of the most resilient economies and a reliable member of the global supply chain, Sanan said.
“This stability in our economic development, combined with progress in health and food security, has put Thailand at an advantage,” he noted.
“We have been very pleased with the resultant growth from the government’s initiatives and I believe Thailand will have a more secure future, which will also positively impact the Apec region,” he added.
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