ID :
230617
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 08:56
Auther :

Logistics infrastructure, key to ASEAN’s growth

BANGKOK, March 1 (TNA) - Key panelists from Thai and international logistics sectors have suggested Thailand, as a member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to prepare for a boost of corridor-to-corridor trading activities once the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is formed by 2015. Speaking at a sub-session themed “Connecting ASEAN Infrastructure” organized on Wednesday as part of the ASEAN Business Forum, being held in Bangkok, the international logistics experts urged Thailand to prepare for a growing challenge, as more transportation and marine hubs are being constructed and developed region-wide to welcome free flows of trade and investment once the AEC is established. According to the panelists, more intensified competition is expected among logistics firms in ASEAN and Thailand and Singapore can become logistics hubs in the ASEAN's upper and lower geographical zones respectively. To enhance the ASEAN connectivity, the panelists underlined that a stronger network should be formed among ASEAN member countries and a joint investment in new logistic routes is required to facilitate regional movements of goods to final destinations cost-oriented timely and efficiently. The panelists acknowledged that regional logistics appear to be further boosted by several agreements having been drafted among ASEAN member countries and its dialogue partners concerning the logistics infrastructure development and the prevention of unhealthy business activities in the region, as the relevant regional pacts roadmaps will help promote and support the ASEAN's economic role and status as a potential "single window" in the world. (TNA)

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