Thailand launches Mr. and Ms. AEC project

BANGKOK, September 3 (TNA) - Thailand’s Department of Industrial Promotion (DIP), under the Ministry of Industry, is promoting its “Mr. and Ms. AEC” project, aimed to enhance DIP officials’ potential and knowledge on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in the lead-up in the formation of the AEC by 2015. DIP, with the cooperation of the Centre for International Trade Studies under Bangkok-based University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), has initiated the “Mr. and Ms. AEC” project, which incorporates training on the AEC and working visits to other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to learn about each country’s rules and regulations on trade. A squad of 40 DIP officials has participated in the first course of the project and have been divided into three separate groups to visit five ASEAN member countries, including, China, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia. The DIP trainees on the AEC are expected to be able to give the best and most correct guidance to Thai business operators on trade rules and regulations of other ASEAN members related to the AEC. Besides, DIP said it expects the project should also help further promote Thailand's industries and government agencies concerned to become “Smart Organisations” in the region. (TNA)