CEOs forum organised as part of BOI Fair 2011

BANGKOK, January 11 (TNA) - The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), in cooperation with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), will organise a chief executive officers (CEOs) forum in Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok's outskirts on January 17, as part of its BOI Fair 2011, being held at the venue from January 5-20. BOI Secretary General Atchaka Sibunruang Brimble introduced the CEOs Forum at a joint press conference with TCEB President Akapol Sorasuchart on Tuesday, saying that at the one-day meeting, executives of public and private agencies would exchange their views, especially on the flood prevention, economic stimulation and investment opportunities in Thailand. Atchaka said that the CEOs Forum would also discuss Thailand's investment prospect and potential in the future in the global context, acknowledging that former British prime minister Tony Blair would be a distinguished guest speaker of the Thai Ministry of Industry Ministry and would speak of opportunities and challenges in the globalization. According to the BOI chief, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Supachai Panichpakdi and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Surin Pitsuwan, both are former Thai Cabinet members, would also attend and deliver their speeches at the CEOs Forum; while Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would later host a dinner for the participating CEOs. Akapol assessed that the upcoming CEOs Forum could significantly boost confidence in Thailand, as at least 300 international investors would attend the meeting, which should also make over 20 million baht in cash circulations in the Thai economy. Besides, the TCEB chief said, Thailand would use the forum to present itself as a potential organizer of the World Expo 2020. Meanwhile, the BOI chief initially estimated that the total value of new investment projects applying for her agency's promotional privileges this year would reach at least 600 billion baht, expected to be mostly in the local automobile and parts sectors, despite Thailand's flooding crisis late last year and unfinished post-flood rehabilitation. (TNA)