Thai PM Proposes 5 Measures for ASEAN Integration

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, October 9 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday proposed five measures, aimed at creating deep integration for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as strengthening the planned implementation of regional trade bloc, scheduled at the end of 2015. Miss Yingluck made her proposals during the two-day 23rd ASEAN Summit, being held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. On plans to implement ASEAN Economic Community(AEC) at the end of 2015, the Thai premier said that ASEAN must preserve coherency, both in implementing AEC and in readiness to face challenges at the regional and global level. The grouping must cooperate closely on significant issues such as migration, food security, energy, geographical changes and natural disaster, she said. The prime minister noted that ASEAN must accelerate on solving development gaps by building regional connectivity in public infrastructure, amend regulations and facilitate trade. She also called for an establishment of a joint industrial and economic zones which could assist neighbouring countries along the border. Miss Yingluck said that ASEAN must build a strong image by attaching importance to human rights, good governance and promoting democracy. Fourthly, she said that ASEAN’s future after 2015 must hinge on the framework of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda. Miss Yingluck added that ASEAN must finally have a deep integration and speak the same word in the international platform. The 23rd ASEAN Summit and meetings with the grouping’s dialogue partners end Thursday. (TNA)