PM leads business entrepreneurs to ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit

BANGKOK, 30 May 2009 (NNT) – The Thai Prime Minister, accompanied by a team of private business entrepreneurs, has traveled to Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to attend the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, believing that the gathering will financially benefit the ASEAN region and boost its development.

Speaking of his attendance to the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit during May 30-June 2 on Jeju Island, the ROK, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that the event would mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-ROK relations. As the ASEAN chair, he stressed that the ROK had been one of the most prominent dialogue partners of ASEAN and had been committed to its contributions, especially in financial aspects amidst the global economic crisis.

Prime Minister Abhisit pointed out that the summit’s main agendas would include discussions over various collaborative frameworks between the two and signing of investment agreements. He noted that the ROK had also invited business entrepreneurs in the private sector of each ASEAN member nation to participate in the event in order to further regional trade and investment. The Prime Minister anticipated additional talks over the economic crisis and other topics from the past G20 Summit as well.

From this summit, Mr. Abhisit voiced assurance that financial and development support would be gained for ASEAN. In terms of his schedule to meet with the president of the ROK for bilateral talks, the Prime Minister said 3 main issues would pertain to the acceleration of tourism, investment and trade.