briefs

The World Trade Organisation has posted its latest trade monitoring report on its website.

Director-general Pascal Lamy said the report was an efficient tool to inform each nation on changing trade circumstances amid rising protectionism. He said protectionism had a 3-per-cent impact on global gross domestic product and 4 per cent on Group of 20 countries. 

Protectionism should be eliminated as it adds 10 per cent to the cost of border custom procedures, he claimed. On average, tariffs should be reduced to an average of 5 per cent worldwide.

He added that he did not expect that the WTO would be able to conclude the whole package of the Doha Round of talks soon. However, the chance was still open for advancing the negotiations. 

 

Telenor bullish on SE Asia region

Jon Fredrik Baksaas, president and chief executive officer of Telenor Group, has expressed his confidence in the economic growth of the Southeast Asian region, highlighting Thailand’s strong potential and emphasising equality and fairness as vehicles for increased competitiveness.

In a high-profile panel discussion on “Asian Women as the Way Forward” at the World Economic Forum on East Asia, Baksaas emphasised how egalitarianism and inclusiveness had been important drivers for competitiveness and growth in Scandinavia.

Sharing his views on how the political and economic empowerment of women in Asia could contribute to the long-term growth of East and Southeast Asian economies, Baksaas also shared insights on the experiences of Norway and the Telenor Group. The panel also included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, CARE USA president and CEO Helene Gayle, and the president of the Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, Rokia Afzal Rahman.

 

Foremost ‘raises’ milk standards

Foremost says it has enhanced the quality of its milk by introducing a new standard to Thailand’s ready-to-drink milk market – 55 natural nutrients that help ensure the wholesome value that only milk can offer. 

Produced under the concept of “Quality from Grass to Glass” using world-class production methods, Foremost aims to retain the maximum number of natural nutrients in its products. 

Foremost is also launching a new brand identity and redesigned packaging.