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Welcome Address by His Excellency Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
at The Opening of ''Thailand's Best Friends'' 2009 event
Opening Remarks
by
His Excellency Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
at
The Opening Ceremony of "Thailand's Best Friend"
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Santi-Maitri Building, Government House.......................
Ministers,
Excellencies
Distinguished Importers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,1. I am very pleased to preside over the opening ceremony of "Thailand's Best Friends 2009" event. I would like, first of all, to commend the Ministry of Commerce for organising this event and for the remarkable success in inviting importers of Thai merchandise from around the world to Thailand today.
2. As you know, Thailand's economy is a very open economy. Our export sector is a major contributor to our country's economic growth and development. The value of exports accounts for as much as 70% of our GDP, generating 178 billion USD worth of income for the country in the year 2008. Our main exports include electrical appliances and electronics, automobiles, gems and jewelry, plastic beads, chemical substances, food and, most importantly, agricultural products.
3. Now, as we are facing one of the worst global recessions, with a drop in global demands because global consumers are tightening up their belts, our economy is inevitably affected, especially in the areas of export and tourism, and especially because Thailand has been and continues to be a very open economy.
4. To lessen the impact of the global economic crisis, the Royal Thai Government has set forth comprehensive economic stimulus packages, comprising several vital measures to tackle urgent problems in the export sector and to support Thai exporters, while at the same time continuously building more confidence among foreign investors and importers. To highlight some of our initiatives, the government has introduced a training programme, called in Thai "Tonkla-Archeep", which provides new training for hundreds of thousands of the laid-off and the unemployed so that they can acquire more technical skills and expertise that industries and market currently require. The government has also initiated "creative economy" policy which re-orientates people towards utilisation of traditional knowledge and skills to create new products and promote innovation. We are confident that these measures will help restore the vibrancy of Thailand's economy and its export sector, especially with the introduction of new quality products to the global market.
5. But most important of all, like any business organization, what we would like to do is to maintain good relationship with our customers. And on behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the Thai people, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you -- our "true friends" -- for accepting our invitation to visit Thailand. I also would like to thank you for your support of Thai products, which, I hope, will continue. And on our part, we will do what we can to adjust our laws and regulations so that they further facilitate our export. We believe that our exports will be of premium quality and satisfy consumers worldwide. The government will also listen to your ideas and advice, so that our products will be more competitive in your countries and your businesses with Thailand can expand even further. Your suggestions and recommendations will be most valuable to us.
6. And while you are here in Thailand, I invite you to spend time not only to explore variety of our best products and services, but also to enjoy our cultural heritage and amazing natural beauty throughout the country. I most sincerely hope that your trip will also be a memorable one.
7. So, let me once again express my appreciation for the long-standing partnership and your commitment and contributions to the growth of the Thai economy. And I hope that your visit here will not only be a successful one but the most enjoyable one.
8. I now declare open "Thailand's Best Friends 2009" and wish you all the success in your businesses and endeavours.
9. Thank you. Sawasdee krub.