Thai PM to attend GMS summit from March 30-31

BANGKOK, March 29 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha will attend the Great Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) summit from March 30-31 to discuss joint water management for sustainable use of natural resources for mutual benefits. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lt-General Weerachon Sukondhapatipak said Gen Prayut will attend the meeting with leaders from GMS countries, comprising China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand to be held in Hanoi. Under the GMS cooperation plan, member countries aim at developing transportation link to increase the regional competitiveness. Water management will be given priority both in agricultural purposes and electricity generation to utilize existing natural resources for mutual interests, Weerachon said. Thailand will propose sustainable development to strengthen agriculture and to promote border links for increase of trade value in this sub-region. The meeting is expected to produce tangible results, said the spokesman. A joint statement and the Hanoi Action Plan for the next five years are expected to be endorsed during the summit. The implementation of the plans in the past will be reviewed. Thailand pays attention to value added agriculture and will share good practices, which will effectively upgrade agriculture products for exports to other regions. Gen Prayut will discuss with leaders from other countries, particular Lao PDR and Vietnam on ten development projects, covering energy economy and social development. (TNA)