Thailand poised to become Greater Mekong Subregion hub, NZ envoy says

[webfact]

INVESTMENT
Thailand poised to become GMS hub, NZ envoy says
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore suggested yesterday that Thailand could become a hub of the Greater Mekong Subregion by attracting foreign investors after the implementation of the Asean Economic Community at the end of this year.

With a strategic location in the region, linking to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and southern China, this is a huge opportunity for Thailand to be like Singapore in the near future, he told a press conference in Bangkok on the 40th anniversary of New Zealand-Asean ties.

"However, this opportunity also depends on several factors such as economic growth in each neighbouring country, infrastructure development, investment policy and political stability," he said.

The NZ-Asean relationship is very promising. At the end of this year, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will join the Asean leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their relationship.

The New Zealand government also hopes to discuss trade agreements further.

It also wants to hold more talks with the Thai government about trade in additional areas, particularly services such as information technology and education.

"Thailand is a very important trade partner for us," Levermore said.

Asean accounts for more than 10 per cent of New Zealand's exports. Last year, two-way trade grew to US$12.8 billion (Bt322 billion). Thailand at Bt60.37 billion ranks third of the 10 Asean countries after Malaysia and Singapore.

However, the economic slowdown and political uncertainty during its return to democracy will make the Kingdom less attractive as a destination for new foreign investors, Levermore said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Thailand-poised-to-become-GMS-hub-NZ-envoy-says-30262634.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-19

[SOTIRIOS]

........I do not see the key 'direct quote' cited in the headlines....

[masquerade]

A little manufactured rhetoric to get across his real message and that is said in the very last paragraph - However, the economic slowdown and political uncertainty during its return to democracy will make the Kingdom less attractive as a destination for new foreign investors, Levermore said.

[Praematura]

Lol. Yea. How about a hub for hookers and soon casinos. Haha.[emoji14]

[ratcatcher]

Lol. Yea. How about a hub for hookers and soon casinos. Haha.[emoji14]

Why not save time and 'gambol' with a hooker?

[Rogergreybeard]

First order of business, teach English as every other country does, otherwise it is only the rich farting this bs

[h90]

Mr Levermore got the Hub-Virus.....

[elgordo38]

Mr Levermore got the Hub-Virus.....

Hubba Dubba do. Any chance of Thailand becoming the Hub of truth and fair play in the near future. Hm dead silence.

Edited June 19, 2015 by elgordo38

[Srikcir]

Is this a creative writing exercise?

"New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore suggested yesterday that [insert name of country:Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam] could become a hub of the Greater Mekong Subregion by attracting foreign investors after the implementation of the Asean Economic Community at the end of this year."