H.E. Mr. Don Pramudvinai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 27th APEC Ministerial Meeting (APEC AMM) during 16-17 November 2015 in Manila, the Philippines. With the theme “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World,” this meeting aimed to contribute to intensifying the Asia-Pacific regional cooperation in a concrete manner. Gist of the meeting as follows:
 
Plenary Session I: Inclusive Growth through Integrated Economies

The Foreign Minister highlighted the APEC goals in promoting trade and investment, particularly in establishing FTAAP (Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific) among the 21 economies, which would eventually lead to regional economic integration. Thailand stands ready to conduct related research towards achieving the APEC goals.

Thailand also expressed support for the APEC structural reform to increase the efficiency of the governments’ administration. The reform should be comprehensive and innovative. Furthermore, Thailand underscored the quality growth in accordance with APEC Strategy for Strengthening Quality Growth* and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015.

Plenary Session II: Inclusive growth through Sustainable and Resilient Communities

The Foreign Minister recognized the remarkable progress made and the potential of the Asia-Pacific region in terms of trade and investment. However, many challenges remain which are multi-dimensional, be they food, energy and water security, natural disasters, or climate change that would undermine sustainable development.

In addressing these challenges, the Foreign Minister recommended the following approaches: First, Developing a people-centered community through investing in human capital; Second, Investing in human capital by enhancing the quality of education that comprises ethics and virtues, as well as science, technology, and innovation. Thailand strives to be a technology-driven society, which in turn would contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); Third, Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from economic growth to develop an inclusive community. Thailand has been implementing plans and policies to employ more workers with disabilities while increasing woman's participation in the economy and ensuring gender equality; Fourth, Promoting more flexible working conditions and higher quality medical care, as Asia-Pacific is now facing challenges relating to an aging society.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed that Thailand is determined to achieve tangible results from the above proposal. First, Thailand looks forward to working with all APEC partners in implementing initiatives at the regional level, such as APEC's priorities, and at the global level, especially the United Nation's 2030 agenda for sustainable development; Second, Thailand looks forward to sharing the approach to sustainable development embedded in His Majesty the King of Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy; Third, As Thailand assumes the chairman of the Group of 77, which comprises 134 members, in 2016, Thailand intends to serve as a bridge builder to develop an inclusive global partnership for sustainable development.