Japan proposes new regional disaster network with Thailand

BANGKOK, March 2 (TNA) - Japan has proposed that Thailand’s industrial sector form a new network with other countries in the region to cope with natural disasters. An expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Daisuke Matsushima, made the proposal at a seminar on emergency assistance guidelines for natural disasters organised by JICA and Thailand's Office of the National Economic Social and Development Board (NESDB) in Bangkok on Thursday. Daisuke said that the idea is also aimed to support and build a sister cluster between Thai and Japanese business operators to enable them to distribute their goods to each other and continue their businesses even in times of crises. Under the plan, Thailand's production base is to be linked with that of Japan's local administrative organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs can also take part in the project. The JICA expert suggested that Thailand also strengthen internal systems to deal with natural disasters, as part of national preparations for the establishment of a single community among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2015. (TNA)