Statement
of
Her Excellency Ms. YingluckShinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
at the Reception
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
between Thailand and Germany
Berlin, 18 July 2012
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Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour to welcome you to this reception hosted by the Royal Thai Government to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Germany. I would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business for their support in organizing this event. May I express my sincere appreciation to the German Government and people for the excellent hospitality extended to me and my delegation. We also feel connected to the German people.
I have always admired Germany's heritage as well as technological and economic advancement. 150 years ago, the first commercial and navigation treaty between the Thai and German sides was signed. Today, the partnership between Thailand and Germany is strong, comprehensive and benefits both our countries. With a trading volume at around 9 billion US dollars, Germany is our largest trading partner in Europe. We also enjoy a close relationship with many German companies that have been making investments in Thailand for many years. So that is why we are here and have brought with us a big business delegation to show our confidence.
Our shared values of democracy and respect for human rights provide a firm foundation for cooperation in many areas. Both countries attach great value to regional cooperation -- Germany and Thailand play important roles in the building of the EU and ASEAN. And we are both committed to addressing humanity's challenges -- from gender gaps to development gaps. In short, we enjoy a modern partnership born of historical friendship and driven by mutual interests, shared values and regional responsibilities.
Even though I have been here for only a day, what I have seen so far reaffirm my confidence in the strength of the German economy and importance to growth and stability of Europe. Following my discussions with your Chancellor and other distinguished individuals, I am even more convinced that Germany will be able to guide the European Union through the crisis. With the support and commitment from all European Union countries, the EU can emerge stronger from the crisis. This commitment from Member States was clearly seen recently at the EU Summit where all parties agreed to reduce risks to government by allowing direct funding to banks.
I believe that emerging markets need to ensure that we play our part to promote global growth. In particular, Europe can look to the growing economies of ASEAN that is becoming a single market and production base of over 600 million consumers by 2015. With ASEAN committed to enhancing connectivity within the region, investing in major infrastructures, completing the ASEAN Single Window and taking forward the East Asia community idea, Thailand and the region are natural partners for Germany and the EU.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I say this because Germany and the EU are Thailand's important customers, and we are yours. We must work together to promote trade and investment.
With regards to trade -- one important trend that I have noticed is the increase in Thailand's imports of German products, in particular the intermediate goods. Our imports have increased since last year by 15 percent while the level of imports for intermediate products is around 1.6 billion US dollars, which is an increase of 14 percent. These include plastics, iron and steel, chemical products and organic chemicals, all of which are important to Thailand's production and exports. Growing Thai imports from Germany, and from other European countries, will also help support your growth and job creation. That is why it is so important to continue to expand trade between us.
Another important area is food industry and security where Thailand is pursuing a policy to serve as a "Kitchen to the World". In this area, we will ensure the highest quality of food products and seek to comply with international standards of safety including that of the EU. Technical cooperation in the area of standards would help us in providing German and European consumers with safe and high quality Thai food products.
Likewise for investment -- there are many investment opportunities in Thailand and in ASEAN. My Government is investing around 73 billion US dollars in infrastructure projects. This will include a high speed train link to other major cities in Thailand and neighboring countries such as Laos and southern China. Other projects include expansion of Suvarnabhumi International Airport to accommodate 65 million people a year. We are also building mass transit lines in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Apart from benefiting trade and investment, these projects will not only allow us to welcome even more German tourists but also ensure that your stay in Thailand is the most enjoyable one.
These investment plans are part of the overall strategy to enhance regional connectivity in ASEAN and beyond. With the East-West, North-South and Southern Economic Corridors being completed, all of which pass through Thailand, you will have a more integrated Mekong region and ASEAN Community. With the development of the Dawei deep sea port in Myanmar to be linked with Bangkok and Laem Chabang deep seaport in Thailand, you have a land bridge linking the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. Once the Dawei deep seaport is connected to the regional transportation network in ASEAN and GMS, German and European products will be able to be distributed in the ASEAN Community and onwards to China and East Asia more effectively.
I would also encourage you to invest more in this high growth, single ASEAN market. As we continue to grow, we will increase our imports from both Germany and Europe. Apart from trade, I believe that Thailand and the region will also benefit from your cutting edge technology that contributes to a green economy. This will generate sustainable growth and create jobs in both our countries.
Once a city divided during the Cold War, Berlin now represents a new, united Europe. Now, as in the past, Thailand continues to have great confidence in Europe and Germany. Let us celebrate our 150 years of relations by building on this relationship, to not only expand trade and investment but also to achieve our goals in all areas of partnership.
Thank you for your attention and for extending a warm welcome to me and my delegation.
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