The Prime Minister of Thailand shared views on ways to enrich the strategic partnership between Thailand and Japan and promoted international cooperation to drive Asia’s role in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery in the 26th International Conference on the Future of Asia (Nikkei Forum)

On 20 May 2021 at 11.20 - 11.50 hrs. (Thailand local time), H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, attended the 26th International Conference on the Future of Asia (Nikkei Forum) via video conference under the theme of “Shaping the Post-COVID Era: Asia’s Role in the Global Recovery” as a Keynote Speaker at the invitation of Nikkei Inc.

In his keynote speech, the Prime Minister of Thailand shared views on ways to enrich the strategic partnership between Thailand and Japan and promoted international cooperation to drive Asia’s role in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Gist of the keynote speech is as follows:

1. The COVID-19 outbreak is a wake-up call for many countries to redefine themselves, push past their weaknesses, look beyond challenges and reimagine new possibilities, together.

2. Asia is a region of strength, determination and resilience. Asia can play a leading role in global recovery; one that is stronger, more resilient and sustainable.

3. At the bilateral level, Japan and Thailand are partners in each other’s growth. Thailand is committed to continue enhancing the country’s business environment to further facilitate Japanese investment and support Japan’s expanded role in Southeast Asia.

4. Regional and multilateral cooperation is key to the full post-COVID-19 recovery with Japan and Thailand as crucial players.

5. Trade and investment facilitation is an accelerator to a strong, balanced, stable, sustainable, and inclusive growth in the long term. As APEC chair in 2022, Thailand is eager to kick start a fresh conversation on the road to the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).

6. Global recovery depends very much on the ability to re-connect. In the immediate term, we need to (1) resume cross-border travels; (2) ensure equitable access to vaccines; and (3) mutually recognise vaccine certificates.

7. Looking beyond COVID-19, sustainability is key to lasting prosperity. To build back better, we need to incorporate social and environmental considerations in our economic policies. With this in mind, the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model is a key priority for our APEC host year.

After delivering the keynote speech, the Prime Minister of Thailand participated in the Q&A session with Nikkei, sharing his views on the management of the COVID-19 situation, Thailand’s economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 period and quality investment promotion, as well as tackling global warming.

The 26th Nikkei Forum was attended by several leaders and senior officials, including the President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Prime Minister of Nepal.