Thai PM to meet Asian, EU leaders during ASEM

BANGKOK, October 8 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), says that he plans to confer with many Asian and European leaders during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) 2014, set to be held in Milan, Italy, from October 16-17. General Prayuth told journalists on Wednesday that coordination is being made for him to discuss with foreign government leaders during the upcoming ASEM. General Prayuth acknowledged that he will definitely meet government leaders of fellow member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as those of China, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Describing the ASEM as a top platform for Asian and European countries, General Prayuth urged ASEAN members to strengthen themselves, covering developing basic infrastructures, implementing water management, improving trade and banking regulations to meet world standards. The prime minister pointed out that trade barriers could be imposed on Thailand if the country did not reduce trade procedures and taxes. Regarding reported plans by the European Union (EU) to end trade privileges under its generalized system of preferences (GSP) on 723 items of Thai exports after January 1, 2015, the prime minister conceded that it is another problem and requests will have to be made with the European trade bloc to “postpone” the move. Touching on his plan two-day official visit to Myanmar, scheduled for October 9-10, the prime minister revealed that he will confer with Myanmar government leaders on border trade, security, economy, investment, drug trafficking and cooperation on the Dawei deep-sea port development project. (TNA)