Transparency, digital economy, AEC high on agenda: US council
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American businesses urged Thailand to ensure regulatory transparency and the development of a globally competitive digital economcy, in order to draw more investment from the United States.
In a statement issued after a two-day visit by a delegation of 34 leading US companies, the US-Asean Business Council also noted that next year's implementation of the Asean Economic Community was also high on the agenda, with American business expecting economic integration to greatly contribute to the development of Thailand and the wider Asean region.
"The size and diversity of our delegation is a reflection of American business’ support for Thailand and the Thai people," said Alexander Feldman, president and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. "We encourage the government’s efforts to strengthen the Thai economy and improve the business environment. Better infrastructure, stronger human capital and SME’s, all of which Prime Minister Prayut mentioned as priority focus areas of his administration, will all have a positive impact on American companies operating in Thailand."
The delegation engaged key officials over the course of the mission which ended today, including: Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Finance Minister Sommai Phasee, Commerce Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya, Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee, ICT Minister Pornchai Rujiprapa, Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong, and Bank of Thailand governor Dr. Prasarn Trairatvorakul.
The delegation is co-led by Brad Middleton, managing director of Chevron Asia South. Its mission was to learn more about the economic reform and stimulus measures being planned by the new government while encouraging pro-business measures that will promote Thailand as a destination for investment and trade. Joining the delegation include ACE, AIG, Apple, Baxter, BGR Group, Caterpillar, Chevron, Cigna, Cisco, the Coca-Cola Company, Conoco-Phillips, Diageo, Dow, eBay, FedEx, Ford, GE, General Atlantic, GlaxoSmithKline, GM, Google, Guardian, MasterCard Worldwide, Mayer Brown, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Microsoft, Monsanto, Pfizer, Philip Morris, Qualcomm, Seagate, Time Warner, UPS, and Visa.
