Continued from Part 1
“So, it is an important mission for the U.S. Embassy to cooperate with the Thai government to stimulate and increase more private businesses as stakeholders and in regulating or setting the framework of good cooperation on economic development in the Northern region”
Last year, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai held a seminar on logistics system development in the Greater Mekong sub region (GMS) in Chiang Mai, and has made efforts to integrate economic activities like custom procedures and investment planning in the region’s industrial areas.
He remarked that in February of 2010, the U.S. Consulate General will also hold another seminar on the Creative Economy, the economic initiatives conference in Chiang Mai, which will focus on the growth of information technology and the need for advanced education in order to fulfill that need. The seminar agenda will be promoted by the U.S. Embassy and the Thai Ministry of Commerce to develop more businesses, especially in the field of education, which would lead to the economic development for labor or workers in this region.
“Chiang Mai is a high potential area, particularly for bilateral trade and cooperation. This region could be a leader in the field of IT and offer another alternative to attract more investment.”
Ambassador John noted the talks between the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs and U.S. officials at the meeting held in Phuket in July this year was an attempt to promote the Mekong Lower Initiative, which includes Thailand, the U.S., Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The most important issue discussed at that meeting was the protection of the environment along the lower Mekong River.
The ambassador added that while Chang Mai is not directly connected to the lower Mekong river, it is a link between the environment and people who live in the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) and that residents may see negative effects from environmental and lifestyle changes with the addition of new sources of income.
Focusing on the potential of the North is an integral part of U.S. governmental and business relations, outside that the GMS organization.
President Barack Obama has stressed the importance of increased ties between the U.S. and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), adding that a personal relationship developed between the President and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva at the G20 meetings in Pittsburg and Singapore and the recent APEC meeting.
Both leaders continue to work together to grow both governmental and business ties. He added that the recent talks between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Prime Minister Abhisit and Thai Foreign Minister Kasich Pharos shows that close Thai-U.S. relations continue to progress.
“Although Thai domestic politics still have conflicts, the status of Thailand in the international stage is not really negatively affected in the international community. The fluid political situation in Thailand does not raise serious concerns with her neighbors” he remarked, adding that Thailand does need to work to explain the situation and calm any fears as to her future.
with thanks to : CM-MAIL
