PM opens CLMVT forum

BANGKOK, Aug 16 (TNA) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the opening of the CLMVT forum, aiming at strengthening economic ties among CLMVT countries. The forum is being held by the Commerce Ministry under the theme “Taking-Off Through Technology” from Aug 16-17 at the Centara Grand hotel to strengthen ties among five members of CLMVT countries in the Mekong sub-region - Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. Gen Prayut said the organizing of the event will create a competitive atmosphere under cooperation. In the past, the CLMVT’s policies have been in accord with those of the western countries, including China, India and Japan. He would take this opportunity to raise the issues about obstacles and regulations to find mutual solutions, to close the development gap and to reduce inequality. CLMVT countries as agricultural countries have to develop human resource and should look into how to add values to farm products, he said. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister, Sontirat Sontijirawong said that the bloc has the golden opportunity with fast-growing economies and the combined population of 240 million. Its GDP growth was as high as 6.2 per cent in 2017 while the world’s GDP growth stayed at 3.6 per cent. He added that the main issue for discussion on the first day of the event is Technology to Change Trade and Investment and Technology to Change Life and Young Generation will be focused on the last day tomorrow. About 1,000 participants form CLMVT countries are attending the two-day event. (TNA)