Thai prime minister upbeat on Africa and Asia future

 

Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra listens to the minister for Tourism and Natural Resources, Ambassador Khamisi Kagaseki as the former arrives at Seronera airstrip in Serengeti National Park to visit the national park yesterday. Right is State Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Investment and Empowerment), Dr Mary Nagu. PHOTO|ANYONY MAYUNGA 

By  Frank Kimboy  (email the author)

In Summary

• The Thai premier also lauded what she called a remarkable economic transformation attained by Africa continent.

Dar es Salaam. Africa and Asia will become world economic superpowers, if they will capitalise their economic potential, visiting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Tuesday evening.

Ms Shinawatra, who was speaking during the Tanzania-Thai business forum held in the city, said that the two continents have strong democracies and stabilities which are the main components of development.According to her, the continents have also got immense natural resources as well as human resources.

For that, Ms Shinawatra said that it was essential that the two countries build essential infrastructure like better transportation links to enhance trade.

The Thai premier also lauded what she called a remarkable economic transformation attained by Africa continent.

According to her, Africa economy was on an average growing at a rate of 5 per cent annually, with Tanzania leading the way with the growth rate of 7 per cent.

“What Africa is achieving is something remarkable as eleven of the fast growing economies are actually in Africa,” said Ms Shinawatra.

During the meeting, Ms Shinawatra also launched the Thai-Africa initiative, which according to her, will strive to enhance engagement between the two sides on a wide range of common interests.

“We launch this initiative in the spirit of South-South cooperation as we seek to promote closer connectivity between the two continents and their peoples as well as ensuring a stronger voice for Asia and Africa in the world affairs,” said Ms Shinawatra.

The Thailand premier, who flew to Serengeti National Park yesterday, is expected to leave the country today.Ms Shinawatra arrive in the country for a three-day tour on Tuesday.