CLMV’s bright future to continue: Chartsiri

In his keynote address to CLMVT Forum 2016, Chartsiri stressed his optimism for the sub-region.

Last year, CLMV - representing Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Laos - showed growth rate of 6.5-8.5 per cent, boosted by ample untapped resources, an abundant young workforce, high demand for basic infrastructure, and fast-growing consumer markets. Exporters producing goods in these countries also enjoy tax benefits as they still have GSP privileges in European and the United States markets, provided that they comply with country of origin rules. 

These natural advantages of CLMV countries have been strengthened even further over the past two decades by increasing connectivity within the region, Chartsiri said.  

"It is not surprising that it is now one of the most attractive FDI destinations in the world," he said. 

He noted that located at the centre of the CLMV countries, Thailand has a unique role to play as a trading partner, a logistics and transport hub, a financial hub, and as an investor.  

"Encouraging companies to work together across the countries, will help facilitate the formation of the regional supply chain and accelerate the transfer of know-how, which will strengthen our region further," he said.