Thailand PM To Open World Economic Forum On East Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will inaugurate the World Economic Forum on East Asia, which will be held for the first time in Bangkok from May 30 to June 1. Over 630 participants from 50 countries -- including business leaders, young global leaders, social entrepreneurs, academics and members of civil society -- will convene to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing East Asia today. "This year's meeting is an exceptional opportunity, not only for the leaders from East Asia, but also for those from outside the region, as the Asean countries are a major evolving geopolitical and geo-economic pillar of the global economy," said Sushant Palakurthi Rao, Senior Director and Head of Asia at the World Economic Forum. "Our meeting is taking place at a time of tremendous economic and political transformation. Therefore, enhancing connectivity in the region will be critical to the region's future growth," she said in a statement issued by the World Economic Forum. The meeting will also welcome more than 50 public figures representing 20 countries, including the heads of state or government of Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The prime ministers of Vietnam, Nguyen Tan Dung, and Laos, Thongsing Thammavong, and the presidents of Myanmar, U Thein Sein, and Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will take part in the three-day event, in addition to Yingluck and other heads of state or government in the region. Meanwhile, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Kittiratt Na-Ranong, said the forum will be a great opportunity to showcase Thailand's economic and political progress as well as a good chance for government and business leaders from around the world to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation. Indonesia hosted the World Economic Forum on East Asia last year. -- BERNAMA