1. AEC2015-Thailand as a hub for the Greater Mekong Subregion Implication to Hong Kong
Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom
Secretary-General of FIHRD
Copyright © FIHRD 2013

2. (1) What is GMS China (Yunnan & Guanxi) Laos Myanmar Thailand Vietnam
Cambodia
China (Yunnan & Guanxi)
Laos
Myanmar
Thailand
Vietnam

3. GMS
(2) It is called GMS because Mekong river linkages and also because Asian Development Bank (ADB) consider GMS as a projects for financial support

4. (3) What it is important? Rich in natural resources
Potential energy supply especially hydro electric power
Young population
Emerging from state planning economy to market economy

5. (4) Why it is important to Thailand
Geographically borders
People similar like – Laos people speak Thai
People in Yunnan – some of there are Thai origins
Way of life similar – Buddhism,
Similar race
Historical linkages for long time.

6. (5) GMS is more important now because of ASEAN 2015 to be implemented in December Except China,all the GMS countries are in ASEAN and China is a part of ASEAN+6

7. (6) ASEAN 2015 has 3 components
Economic co-operation
Social and cultural linkage
Political and security Issues

8. In economic areas- because GMS, except Thailand, The economy is still weak, AEC will reduce the gap of rich countries in ASEAN and the weaker ASEAN members (GMS) so that all ASEAN economy will be strong as economic blog to deal with future globalization.

9. (7) Why Thailand is considered the Hub in GMS
First logistics and geography. Thailand is well placed to play a role in linking all the GMS countries through transportation system.

11. We have many bridges across the Mekong rivers from Thailand to Laos further to Vietnam and China, one from Nong khai, Mukdahan , Chiang rai and Nakornpanom

12. Thailand can link GMS with the rest of ASEAN countries in the south ,Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia
Thailand is located half way between China and India

13. (8) Second
Thailand can play a big role in GMS tourism
A good example that my foundation is working with Myanmar gov’t to promote tourism is to develop tourism manpower with universities in Myanmar.

14. Meeting with H.E. U Ba Shwe, Deputy Minister of Education

15. Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Seminar on " Cultural Conservation in Myanmar Cultural Heritage Sites and Culture as the Tourism Related” (1st – 3rd October 2012) , Asia Plaza Hotel Yangon, Myanmar
Opening Remarks by: H.E. Minister U Aye Myint Kyu Union Minister, Ministry of Culture
Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 

16. Workshop & activities

18. Thailand and GMS including China can work together in the field of Hydro-Electricity, Alternativeand green and energy – Biogas – Biomass and Energy conservation and Rural Electricity

19. Finally, Thailand can play a role as leader agricultural processing industries since GMS have abundant land and labor
The raw materials can come from these countries and being processed in Thailand.
In the future GMS can export food and agriculture processing to the rest of the world

20. (9) Why GMS is important to Hong Kong
Hong Kong is part of Asia and part of China
Hong Kong is rich in market economy experiences
Hong Kong has a lot of experience in services industries, especially in supply chain system, free corruption practice, best universities in Asia

21. The point of my talk should be the beginning of Hong Kong-GMS-Thailand co-operation
How to do it
- First set up a small task force to study the GMS-Hong Kong,
Thailand-China co-operation

22. May be start with research to see the gap and opportunities
- My suggestion is to start with 3 groups of people: business people/academics and gov’t

23. I want to see Hong Kong play increasing role in GMS
Why not, in APEC you play a very important role

24. Do again for GMS-
I will be willing to join your effort

25. Thank You www.fihrd.org Chira Academy
Foundation for International Human Resource Development
Tel: – 3
Fax:

26. Thank You www.fihrd.org Chira Academy
Foundation for International Human Resource Development
Tel: – 3
Fax:

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