PM urges APEC to also focus on quality growth

MANILA, Nov 19 (TNA) -- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should accelerate on focusing growth with quality rather than achieving success only on statistical figures, said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha on Thursday. In a speech delivered to the 23rd APEC leaders’ summit being held in the Philippine capital of Manila, Gen Prayut said Thailand is pleased that the APEC has given importance to growth on a sustainable basis which is the wish of every country. Gen Prayut said he personally believed that the APEC should move growth strategy with quality in which every sector of society and community could play their role and enjoy mutual benefit from the development and at the same time promote reform. The Thai government is determined to reform the country in every field based on self-sufficiency economy initiated by His Majesty the King which focuses on balanced and sustainable development. Gen Prayut said his government has sponsored and also developed special economic zones at Thailand’s borders with neighbouring countries, aimed at developing communities there and economic growths of those countries. The Thai government also has a policy to promote development in the form of clusters in order to cater to future technology at the special economic zones. The Thai government is determined to work with APEC members with an objective to achieving sustainable growth for the benefit of people living in Asia - Pacific region and the world, said Gen Prayut. Expressing his grievances on last Friday’s attacks on Paris, Gen Prayut said he wished to offer his morale support to families of those who had lost their lives during the difficult time. He said his government and the people of Thailand denounced this inhumane, brutality act and would cooperate with international community in fighting against international terrorism. (TNA)