The Prime Minister of Thailand reiterated Thailand’s full support to cooperation with the private sector, especially on strengthening connectivity in the regional supply chain for a sustainable economic growth during the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ Interface with East Asia Business Council.

On 14 November 2020, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, attended the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ Interface with East Asia Business Council (EABC) via video conference. The Interface was chaired by the Prime Minister of Viet Nam and attended by representatives from the EABC.

Prime Minister Prayut highlighted the significance of multi-stakeholders’ participation in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts, including the signing and the early implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which helps enhance regional economic connectivity and boost confidence in the region. In addition, the Prime Minister commended the work of the EABC, particularly its survey on “Business Outlook and Digital Strategy towards the New Normal” and e-Books covering Customs Procedures and Investment Practice in East Asia, which contribute to the improvement of MSMEs’ competitiveness.

The Prime Minister of Thailand stated Thailand’s full support and promotion of cooperation with the private sector in facilitating trade and investment including strengthening connectivity in the regional supply chain for a sustainable economic growth.

The Meeting also took note of policy recommendations by the EABC, including (1) mitigating economic impact and accelerating recovery post COVID-19 through the signing of RCEP Agreement and the possible expansion of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) to include other agricultural commodities and (2) promoting innovation and e-commerce in East Asia through the adoption of rules and regulations for paper-less transaction, data management and capacity-building for MSMEs.

The Interface between ASEAN Plus Three Leaders and representatives from the EABC provides an opportunity for the private sector to present their policy recommendations on promoting trade and investment in the East Asia region.