Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Attends Meeting in Hong Kong

BANGKOK, Oct 25 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak attended a meeting on the topic of Guangdong–Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in Hong Kong, saying China was a true and sincere friend of Thailand. Somkid was among speakers at a seminar entitled “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: New Horizon for China’s Reform and Opening-up”. He said Thailand gave importance to China not only as a trade partner but also Thailand’s true and sincere friend under all circumstances. He met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and showed his support for her to overcome any problems Hong Kong is facing. The deputy prime minister also promoted bilateral cooperation between Thailand and China’s Greater Bay Area. He said Thailand focused on technology development and innovation. The government has accelerated developing infrastructure and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) as well as improving rules and regulations to facilitate investment. Somkid said that Thailand moved up six places to 21st out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2020 ease of doing business rankings due to the government's efforts in streamlining the approval process for doing business, adopting digital systems for government services. The country plans to move up to top 20 in the future’s rankings, he added. (TNA)