Apec hails progress on free-trade area
>>All 21 leaders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member countries and economic zones have decided to push the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), a regional economic integration.
The resolution is one of 23 items agreed in the 2022 Apec Leader’s Declaration yesterday, as the 29th Apec summit in Bangkok closed.
Thailand passes the baton to the United States as host of the Apec next year.
All Apec leaders recognised the useful contributions of the Lima Declaration and the Beijing Roadmap in progressing the FTAAP agenda, the declaration said.
“We welcome the advancement of this agenda this year through a refreshed conversation on the FTAAP in the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
“We will continue to build on this momentum towards high quality and comprehensive regional undertakings through the FTAAP Agenda Work Plan. We task officials to report progress in carrying out the Work Plan to the Apec Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in the following years.
“At the same time, we will strengthen our engagement with stakeholders, including the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) and increase publicprivate sector dialogues.
“We note with appreciation of Abac’s recommendations in advancing the FTAAP Work Programs.
“We commend the public and private sector collaboration between the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) and Abac, which underscores Apec’s
emphasis on advancing an inclusive economic development. “We will also continue our
efforts in capacity building to improve trade negotiation skills of economies,” the declaration said.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday Thailand had put forward FTAAP at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting to push regional trade and support the multilateral trading system.
He said Thailand also proposed the FTAAP 4-year workplan (2023-2026) which incorporates shared interests among Apec member economies, such as traditional trade, emerging trade, and the economic recovery.
FTAAP aims to promote trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific, minimise trade and investment obstacles, enhance the competitiveness of Apec economies, and narrow the gap between Apec members in different stages of development.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government also touted its bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model and fulfillment of the overarching theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.”
At the conclusion of the two-day summit yesterday, Gen Prayut conveyed his gratitude to Their Majesties the King and Queen for granting an audience to the Apec leaders at the Grand Palace.
He said the 29th Apec summit was a tremendous success for all member countries, which worked collectively for the growth and future of the AsiaPacific region.
Thailand welcomed more than 5,000 leaders, delegates and media crew covering the summit.
It marks the first time in four years that the leaders have met face-toface in the Apec context following the pandemic.
Two special guests of the government, who are from non-Apec member countries, also turned up for the summit: French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.
The Apec leaders held talks with the private sector and the Apec Business Advisory Council.
Gen Prayut also received input from the Apec Voices of the Future, a platform for “Youth Voice” held on the margins of the Apec Leaders’ Meeting.
The summit also raised for discussion the global nuclear threat. As host of the summit, Thailand expressed concern about its ramifications, especially on the economy.
Thailand stands ready to work closely with other countries in resolving the issue, Gen Prayut said.
The BCG model economy is being driven under the theme of “Open. Connect. Balance,” which is producing results, he said.
>>A Thai silk fashion show was applauded by Apec leaders as it exhibited the unique characteristics of Thai silk as conceived by designers from all 21 Apec member countries.
The effort was cheered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as a way to promote Thailand’s culture and agricultural products.
Deputy government spokeswoman Tipanan Sirichana said yesterday the “Thai Silk Through The Eyes of Apec” fashion show held on Friday night at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center received accolades from international leaders.
She said the creators who designed Thai silk gowns are from 21 Apec member countries and economic zones: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam.
The Thai silk fashion show proposed silk as a symbol of friendship among the Apec member countries and the economic zones which connect Asia-Pacific’s economic cooperation, said Ms Tipanan.
In other news, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also introduced the government’s 5F policy — food, film, fashion, fighting [boxing] and festivals — aiming to promote Thai culture on a global scale, she added.
Meanwhile, after the business of the summit was over on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron visited tourist attractions in Bangkok before heading back to France later that night.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Macron said his visits to the Jim Thompson House Museum reminded him of the ties that unite France and Thailand and the partnerships that France implements in the Indo-Pacific region.
News reports also showed Mr Macron visiting Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium before going on a private tour at Chinatown to taste the authentic street food of Bangkok.