by Weena Kowitwanij

At the World Economic Forum, Abhisit Vejjajiva promotes international cooperation to improve quality of farm products and agricultural development. Thai PM emphasises his country’s economic progress and the global economic role played by East Asian nations.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) – In his address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, held on 29-31 January, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva focused on ways to improve food security, fight corruption and recognise the role of East Asia in the global market.

Other 2,500 representatives from more than 90 nations also took part in the annual event, which focused this year on “Improve the State of the World: Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild”.

The three-day event gave participants an opportunity to discuss ways to especially improve the banking system and deal with the aftermath of the Haiti quake, which killed tens of thousands of people.

International cooperation has a crucial role to play in strengthening global food security and sustainable agriculture, the Thai premier said.

As a major rice producer, Thailand must “be responsible towards consumers in terms of food quality and security.”

The prime minister also insisted on the importance of “fair trade”.

Abhisit also addressed the issue of corruption, illustrating his country’s progress. “The public sector plays an importance role in fighting corruption,” he noted.

Significantly, he explained that after meltdown of the world’s financial system in 2008, the Thai economy was doing well, and that it was well on its way to recovery, with tourism and agriculture as the leading engines.

Finally, he emphasised the greater role now played by East Asian nations in the world economy.

• thailand
• economy
• davos
• switzerland
• haiti
• earthquake
• banks
• finance
• development
• corruption
• agriculture
• food
• security