PM positive about economy at Nation dinner talk

During the event, he gave a speech on the topic of “Driving Thai Economy in 2020” highlighting the government’s 20-year national strategic plan that will lead to stable and sustainable development. “Many people have compared the government to a sinking ship full of holes, but I can assure you that it’s not true,” he said. “Our ship is stronger than ever and we can reach our destination as long as everyone helps paddle toward the same goal instead of sitting idly and dragging their feet in the water.”

After the speech by the PM, Deputy PM and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit and Minister of Finance Uttama Savanayana shared the stage for the seminar “The Face of Thailand in 2020”, where they estimated that the 2020 economy will recover as the trade dispute between superpowers starts to improve. “The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that the global economy next year will expand by 3.4 per cent,” said Jurin. “As for Thailand, this year’s economy could grow by 3 per cent and next year’s projection could still be on the positive side. However, we admit that slowed down world economy and Baht’s strengthening has affected this year’s growth rate considerably.”
The commerce minister said that next year his ministry will pioneer new markets in 18 countries such as China and India, especially in provinces that show potential for Thai products, as well as finalize an FTA with Turkey, which will help paving the way to Middle East and European markets. “We will also speed up the signing of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to be finished next year,” he added. “From the estimation by Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), once RCEP deals are in effect they could drive up Thailand’s GDP up to 4 per cent.”