Political stability & continuity were paramount for reaping the dividends of any economic policy: Ahsan Iqbal

BANGKOK, April 06 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chauhdry on Thursday held an interactive session with the Head of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division and team of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Thailand.

During the meeting, the United Nations officials briefed the Minister about the role of ESCAP in facilitating the member states in trade promotion and cooperation to learn from one another’s experiences and good practices. The Planning Minister emphasised that political stability and continuity were paramount for reaping the dividends of any economic policy. The Minister thanked the members of UN-ESCAP, UNDP and representatives of the Thai Ministry of Commerce for making presentations on the economic development experiences of Thailand and Vietnam. He underscored that such engagements help to understand and learn from one others experiences.

Jonathan Pincus from the UNDP regional office joined the session through video link from Hanoi, Vietnam. He made a presentation on Vietnam’s journey of economic progress and development over the years. He also devolved on the factors that were key in the spectacular economic growth of Vietnam.

Ms. Sirikan Prasertying, Director of the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand made a presentation on Thailand’s journey of economic development and export diversification. She explained the important role of digitization that brings efficiency into the economy. The meeting was followed by a question and answers session. The Minister thanked the members of UN-ESCAP, UNDP and representatives of the Thai Ministry of Commerce for making presentations on the economic development experiences of Thailand and Vietnam. He underscored that such engagements help understand and learn from one another’s experiences.

The meeting was also joined by the Ambassador of Pakistan in Thailand Sahebzada Ahmed Khan and other officers of the Embassy.