Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister attended the meeting on the development plan for the Tripartite Economic Zone. The Prime Minister attended the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Trilateral Economic Development Plan Meeting, proposing three main approaches: joining hands to develop the agricultural sector, research, and innovation, indicating that investment should be made in technologies that can cope with natural disasters, as seen as an important tool to create food security and long-term economic immunity for the subregion.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting took place at 5:00 p.m. local time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, participated alongside Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and the President of the Asian Development Bank. In her address, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government for hosting, as well as to the ASEAN Secretary-General and the Asian Development Bank for their ongoing support.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the meeting as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the three countries towards the 'IMT-GT Vision 2036', aiming for sustainable integration and innovation in the subregion. The cooperation, ongoing for over 30 years, has yielded substantial progress in connectivity, economic integration, and sustainable development.
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Cooperation Framework, marking an important milestone for tangible cooperation among the three countries. Despite a recovering global economy post-pandemic, the region faces challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties and climate-induced supply chain disruptions. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for stronger and more integrated cooperation under the IMT-GT framework, proposing three approaches.
Firstly, she advocated for cooperation in the agricultural sector, focusing on strategically important products like rubber and palm oil. These crops are integral to the economic chain of the region and the world. Member countries are urged to enhance agricultural product processing, adopt international sustainability standards, and engage in responsible production, which would elevate the IMT-GT's status as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Secondly, the Prime Minister highlighted the promotion of innovation and research and development. Thailand views 'innovation' as a crucial mechanism for sustainable and competitive development, especially in adapting to global climate risks. Investments in technologies, particularly in the agricultural sector, are deemed essential for creating food security and long-term economic resilience.
Thirdly, the focus was on developing seamless physical and digital infrastructure to boost connectivity across land, sea, air, and digital networks. Such investments are expected to stimulate growth, attract investments, and further integrate cooperation within the subregion. The IMT-GT projects should align with Vision 2036, emphasizing inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the strength of IMT-GT lies in the unity of the three countries towards common goals. This cooperation serves as a platform for 'Peace, Prosperity and Partnership'. She invited all nations to move forward together for an integrated, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future for the peoples of the IMT-GT subregions.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement of the 16th IMT-GT Summit, reaffirming commitment to Vision 2036 and promoting a sustainable economy through Green, Blue, and Circular Economy approaches. The Prime Minister also congratulated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine.