On 4 September 2014, the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, hosted a High Level Forum on Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Regional Connectivity at the Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok.

Nearly 100 participants from 33 ACD Member States, including representatives from Thailand’s public and private sectors, as well as representatives from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and China Development Bank attended the event.

In his Opening Remarks, H.E. Mr. Narong Sasitorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, outlined Thailand’s vision on Enhanced ACD Regional Connectivity – a network of well-maintained transport corridors, facilitation at the border, linkages between telecommunication services and facilities, a region-wide energy grid and a regional financial infrastructure.

Through these projects, he said, Asia will see an increase in trade activities, higher GDP growth, greater prosperity, and the inclusive betterment of the lives of all our people.

The High Level Forum agreed on the importance and benefits of regional connectivity. It also recognized the role and potential of the ACD – as the only pan-Asian policy forum – in laying down policies and initiating projects to complete missing links between each sub-region for a better connected Asia.

Thailand’s proposals on trade liberalization and facilitation, telecommunications, energy, food security and financial connectivity attracted much interest. Further research and/or discussions would take place on these proposals. It was agreed that Enhanced ACD Regional Connectivity is a vital step towards greater regional integration.

Short-term projects that could be considered for early implementation include ACD trade and investment information sharing and ACD business community networking. It was also suggested that more projects be introduced to increase people-to-people contacts, including student and researcher exchange programmes, cultural exchanges and projects to promote tourism and facilitate travels.

Outcomes of the High Level Forum will be incorporated into a Road Map for ACD Regional Connectivity. The Road Map will then be submitted to ACD Leaders for endorsement at the 2nd ACD Summit to be hosted by Thailand towards the end of 2015.

Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) was inaugurated in 2002 under Thailand’s initiative. Its main objective is to consolidate Asia’s strengths and fortify Asia’s competitiveness by maximizing the diversity and rich resources in Asia. Currently, the ACD has 33 Member States from every sub-region of the Asian continent.

Since the inauguration of the ACD, Thailand continues to play a leading role in the Forum. Issues that are high on Thailand’s agenda include regional connectivity, energy security and food security.