Bangkok Hosts World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012

Thailand will host the 21st World Economic Forum on East Asia on 30 May-1 June 2012 in Bangkok.  The agenda of this meeting is a continuation from this year’s annual meeting in Davos, which carried the theme “Great Transformation: Shaping New Models.”

At the Bangkok meeting, over 500 participants will discuss matters relating to the theme “Shaping the Region’s Future through Connectivity.” The meeting’s agenda encompasses three sub-sections: Rethinking Regional Models for a New Global Context; Responding to a Region@Risk; Realizing Regional Connectivity.

This year’s meeting will put ASEAN at the heart of the agenda.  Thailand, located in the center of ASEAN, is an ideal place for senior decision makers to discuss the pivotal role of ASEAN in the shifting geo-political and economic landscape of the global economy.

The meeting will give a special focus on the issue of connectivity across ASEAN – exploring questions about how linkages are urgently needed to ensure a competitive region, as well as their implications for improved risk management and sustainable and equitable growth.

India’s Look East Policy pays specific attention to connectivity with ASEAN.  In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership, India has taken the initiative to promote connectivity through activities such as the ASEAN-India Car Rally and the India-ASEAN Ship Expedition.

This year’s agenda at the WEF on East Asia in Bangkok therefore offers a timely opportunity for Indian leaders to share their views about how ASEAN-India connectivity can shape the future of Asia. High level participation from India can ensure that the meeting’s discussions include the importance and relevance of Southeast Asia’s linkages with India in the new global context.

The Co-Chairs of the World Economic Forum on East Asia are: Mr. Pailin Chuchottaworn, President and Chief Executive Officer, PTT Public Company, Thailand; Mr. Malvinder Singh, Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare Global Pte Ltd, India; Ms. Helene D. Gayle, Chief Executive Officer, CARE USA; Mr. Masami Yamamoto, President and Representative Director, Fujitsu, Japan; Mr. Gerard Mestrallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer GDF SUEZ, France; and Mr. Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group, UAE.

Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, will attend the Bangkok meeting and chair the session on the World Economic Forum’s Vision and Mission.

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Chamsai Menasveta

Royal Thai Embassy

New Delhi

4 April 2012