Thailand to take over ASEAN chair next year

NONTHABURI, Aug 24 (TNA) -- The Commerce Minister will attend the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) in Singapore later this month before Thailand assumes the position of the ASEAN chair next year. Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said he would attend the 50th AEM on Aug 28 when the chairmanship role of Thailand would be discussed as Singapore was handing over the responsibility. On the occasion, Thailand will discuss the projects that should be realized during the chairmanship of Thailand. They included trade facilitation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, Mr Sontirat said. He also said he assigned his deputy Chutima Bunyapraphasara to attend meetings related to the AEM on Aug 29-Sept 1. They include meetings with ASEAN’s trade and dialogue partners. Mr Sontirat said the upcoming AEM would see the signing of a protocol to enhance the competitiveness of ASEAN members in the service sector and agreements on e-commerce, non-tariff measures and an economic cooperation plan with China, Japan and South Korea. Last year trade among ASEAN members was valued at US$2.6 trillion and the ASEAN economy grew by 5.3%. ASEAN members formed the biggest trading partner of Thailand and their trade amounted to US$100.78 billion last year. (TNA)