Thailand hosts 57th APO Governing Body Meeting

BANGKOK, April 28 (TNA) - Thailand hosts the 57th Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body Meeting in Bangkok from April 27-29, during which executives of productivity organizations of 19 member states discuss ways to enhance the productivity of countries in Asia and the Pacific. Thai Deputy Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukvanich on Monday inaugurated the three-day meeting, sponsored by Thailand Productivity Institute, aimed to discuss cooperation between member countries and the APO Secretariat on policies and strategies to enhance the productivity of member states. Chakramon said during his opening address that Thailand has to further boost productivity in both local public and private sectors to lift the country from the middle income trap. Chakramon admitted that corruption has blocked Thailand's productivity enhancement and the interim government is seriously addressing the problem. According to the Thai industry minister, his ministry is tackling graft by issuing factory licences within 30 days. Meanwhile, Banthoon Lamsam, Chairman of Kasikorn Bank, pointed out that economic problems, aviation standards and illegal fishing are now Thailand's major problems; so, the country needs to improve its fishery to meet international standards, cautioning if the European Union (EU) banned Thai fishery products, the Thai economy would be greatly affected, as Thailand has yearly exported a large amount of fishery products. (TNA)