Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has announced that Thailand is fully prepared to serve as host this year for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, says government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.
"It is a crucial opportunity for Thailand to promote trade in the Asia-Pacific region," Mr Thanakorn said on Saturday.
Officials from the 21 Apec member nations will attend more than 250 meetings -- divided into policy and ministerial levels -- to exchange opinions and set a target to harness the economy, Mr Thanakorn said.
A practical meeting concerning two topics -- boosting the capability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for competition in the Asia-Pacific region, and food sector waste reduction in the food supply chain -- was held recently.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has worked with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP) and Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to issue food waste reduction guidance for MSMEs.
Gen Prayut said Thailand will host the Apec meeting this year under the concept of "Open. Connect. Balance", Mr Thanakorn said.
Connectivity will be restored in travel, tourism, trade and investment. In addition, Thailand will promote a balance between the economy and the environment under the bio-circular and green (BCG) economy model.
Mr Thanakorn said Gen Prayut also thanked state agencies and the private sector for their cooperation in preparing for Apec.
Aside from Apec, Mr Thanakorn said that Gen Prayut was focused on solving the country's problems including the Covid-19 pandemic and soaring consumer prices.
"Gen Prayut says everyone should be united to solve problems and should not play too much politics," said Mr Thanakorn.
