CLMV-Thailand: Platform to Discuss
Date:
25 October 2013Category:
News, Press ReleasesTopics:
Capacity Building, Connectivity, Services, TradeShare Article:
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Chiang Mai-25 Oct 2013: As part of five-day Executive Capacity Building Program for CLMV and Thailand, their senior officials have listened to lectures, participated in workshops and made field trips in Northern Thailand to acquaint themselves with the ASEAN Master Plan of Connectivity.
International research organization, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), has organized this week-long workshop for 15 officials at the Deputy Director-General from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
After listening to a series of lectures from prominent leaders and economists in Bangkok on 21 October, they traveled to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to visit industrial parks in the area including leading companies invested in Northern Thailand on 22 October, Chiang Khong Bridge on 24 and Chiansaen Port on 25 October to see how those infrastructures will bring effect on the connectivity among neighboring countries and economically impact.
During the workshop on 22 October, the participants are divided into three distinctive groups focusing on commerce and trade; regional planning; and transportation and public works. Each group is supervised by experts related to trade, planning and connectivity. The interaction within the group and various thematic discussions allow participants to exchange views and plan together."It is very important to gain mutual understanding and look from each others' point of view before thinking and tuckling with one common issue. We hope that the workshop will enhance their understanding of the issues related to connectivity in the regional perspective. They also can network among themselves," said Mr. Yasushi Iwata, General Manager of ERIA.
ERIA experts for the workshop are Ms. Vasana Mututanont, Former Secretary General, Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI); Dr. Hank Lim, Chairperson of Academic Advisory Council of ERIA, Senior Research Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Prof Michael E. Regan, Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, Bond University, Australia.