Event to mark 50th anniversary of ASEAN held

BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) -- An event is held in Bangkok to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, highlighting the prospect of intra-ASEAN trade. The Department of Trade Negotiation is organizing the “ASEAN in 50 Years” activity at a Bangkok shopping mall on Tuesday and Wednesday. Director General of the Department Boonyarit Kalayanamit said intra-ASEAN trade last year accounted for over US$270 billion despite global economic recession. Trade volume between Thai and other ASEAN countries last year also rose to US$91 billion, he said and predicted that Thailand-ASEAN trade would grow at least 5 percent this year. The ASEAN in 50 Years event was aimed at providing the public essential information about ASEAN, business opportunities and privileges in ASEAN trade. An exhibition is devoted for ASEAN history, cooperation and evolution in the past 50 years. (TNA)