Former WTO chief supports special economic zones at border

BANGKOK, May 17 (TNA) – Former World Trade Organisation chief Supachai Panitchpakdi suggested that Thailand should pay attention to the development of special economic zones for effective management of business activities at borders. Mr Supachai, who is also former Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) made the remarks in a speech at a seminar on Thailand’s roles in economic cooperation with neighbouring countries under the national strategies, held today by the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) on the 12 years of the agency’s establishment. Mr Suppachai said border trade between Thailand and neighbouring countries has faced many problems such as a border conflicts and infringement of human rights, illegal trade and inconsistent development of border areas. As a result, the Thai government should focus on the establishment of special economic zones at the borders to address related obstacles. Meanwhile, President of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Somkiat Tangkitvanich said despite strong growth in cross-border trade in the past several years, low quality products and intellectual property infringement are still prevalent. Thailand should work with neighbouring countries to tackle these problems and cooperate more with neighbouring countries in education as a tool for sustainable development. During the seminar, academics also suggested that in cooperation with neighbouring countries, Thailand should also pay particular attention on infrastructure development to allow these countries to access to trade channels, which will contribute to their economic growth and opportunities for Thai and foreign businesses to invest in this region. (TNA)