Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John, AMCHAM-U.S. Chamber Dinner and Digital Video Conference with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
(As prepared for delivery)
Mr. Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak, Finance Minister Korn, Foreign Minister Kasit, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen good evening. I would like to first thank David Carden and Judy Benn for inviting me and my wife Sophia to join you tonight for this dinner and forum to discuss the issues of interest to American businesses operating in Thailand and in the region.
I would also like to thank Prime Minister Abhisit and his economic team for taking the time to share their vision and strategy for repositioning Thailand in partnership with the American business community.
Shortly after taking office, Prime Minister Abhisit and I met to discuss a wide range of issues, not least of which was the economy—in each of our respective countries—and how Thailand planned to re-engage local and international investors following the political turmoil that we have witnessed in Thailand over the past several months. Since that time, members of the Prime Minister’s economic team, and Prime Minister Abhisit himself, have met with numerous media and industry groups to explain their economic stimulus program and engage on issues of concern to international investors, such as the tax regime, import duty structure, customs penalty regime, which are all key to increasing trade and investment in Thailand. We appreciate very much the openness and transparency that has characterized this government’s first few weeks in office.
This evening, I am pleased to announce that we will resume our “Meet the Ministers” series beginning with the Minister of Commerce and followed by a “Meet the Ministers” meeting with the Minister of Finance on March 20th. During these meetings, I will be accompanied by representatives of American companies that wish to raise -- in a bit more detail -- issues that they have touched on before with your respective ministries. It is a wonderful opportunity for an in-depth exchange and is beneficial in identifying ways to improve Thailand’s business climate.
As I have mentioned many times in the past, our relationship with Thailand is one of the oldest we have in the world, and the size of this evening’s event clearly illustrates the strong bonds between our two peoples and the extent of interest we share in exploring ways in which our two countries can move forward together. The fact that we have such a large business community and embassy presence here speaks to the strength of the connection between the U.S. and Thailand. In prosperous times and in challenging times our relationship has endured and will continue to do so.
Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva.