Somkid’s mission to Myanmar promises mutual benefits

Somkid yesterday delivered a speech at the Thai-Myanmar Business Cooperation Forum, which gathered hundreds of businesspeople from both countries. There he assured responsible investments by Thai firms.
“As I promised Daw Aung San Suu Kyi [on Thursday], our investors always make sure that their projects will not harm the environment and Myanmar people’s standard of living. We will not look at Thailand’s benefits only. We sincerely aim for mutual benefits,” he said through an interpreter.
“During my discussion with the state counsellor [Suu Kyi], I told her to believe the Thai government and Thai businesses, because we come here for mutual benefits. Additionally, I told her to take good care of Thai businesses. I myself will also monitor them. If they do something against Myanmar’s laws, I will take severe action against them.” 
Somkid said the business forum came at a perfect time.
“Historically, there is no better period than the present to foster our cooperation … Thailand and Myanmar should cooperate to take advantages of the Asean Economic Community. Cooperation will lead us to better opportunities.”
He said Myanmar played a key role in Thailand’s strategic partnership policy, which prioritises strengthening cooperation with CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) countries. 
“Now it is the time when superpowers are facing challenges. It is time for us to cooperate. If we are united, we will be able to address the challenges and compete with other countries. As the United States recently left the Trans-Pacific Partnership, I believe Asia has now become the most important region. 
“Once, there were some disagreements among Asean countries. But now it is time to cooperate again for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. For RCEP to achieve success, it is important for us to cooperate with CLMV countries, as they play a vital role in the development of Asia. Louder voices will yield better results,” he said.
Somkid said Thai industries were ready to invest in Myanmar’s special economic zones (SEZs). As energy is pivotal to Myanmar’s growth, the Kingdom has proposed some plans for energy cooperation. As a skilled workforce is also necessary, scholarship programmes will be offered to Myanmar students to address a shortage of much-needed skills. 
Upon Suu Kyi’s invitation, Somkid visited Myanmar for the first time under its civilian government. He has visited the country several times before when it was still under military rule. 
A day earlier, Somkid met President Htin Kyaw and Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss deepening cooperation in a variety of sectors. He also discussed expansion of Thai-Myanmar land routes. 
He said he hoped for the opening of many gateways for border trade, in addition to Mae Sot-Myawady trade. A special economic zone will soon be established in the Mae Sot-Myawady area to allow both sides grow together.
During his visit, Somkid brought more than 20 Thai business executives and witnessed the signing of 16 memoranda of understanding, particularly focusing on four core areas: small and medium-sized enterprises and trade development, infrastructure development, human-resources development and establishment of a modern digital economy. 
He also visited Thilawa SEZ yesterday.
Myanmar businesspeople were also encouraged by Somkid’s bold commitment for responsible Thai investments. One of them is Maung Maung Lay, vice president of the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Association and vice president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “What the deputy prime minister said this morning is very heart-warming. I told him that the MoUs should be memoranda of ‘undertaking’ rather than ‘understanding’. 
“I do not believe in engagement. I only believe in getting married and having children. Engagement is not enough. We need to have children so that we can share our cheers and tears for the long term. It is a long-established relationship but we still need to foster cooperation for mutual benefits,” he said.