| Thailand committed to an Asean Community by 2015 |
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THAILAND intends to adhere to the plan to achieve the Asean Community by 2015, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said. He made the statement during a dinner hosted by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Malacanang presidential palace during his one-day state visit last Aug. 14. Abhisit said that under the Asean Charter, Thailand would work shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines and other Asean members to make the grouping move forward to its common vision and desire. The premier also expressed confidence that the Philippines would encourage more Thai companies to invest there. At the same time, he said Thailand was ready to welcome Filipino investors and visitors. During bilateral talks between the two leaders earlier in the day, Thailand and the Philippines agreed to expand trade and investment cooperation through existing mechanisms, including the Joint Committee on Trade and a related committee on energy. The leaders also discussed problems and obstacles hindering economic relations. The Thai leader asked the Philippines to relax import regulations on poultry and fruit, and agreed to set up joint sanitary-inspection procedures. He said he also discussed the Myanmar issue with the Philippine leader, adding that he expected the issue to be discussed at the Asean Summit in Thailand in October. |
