Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to strengthen Thailand's position as a major global food supplier, describing food security as an essential part of national security.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 69th National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Mr Anutin said national security extended beyond military concerns to include economic, social, food, public health, environmental, technological and energy issues.
He said Thailand had considerable potential to supply global food markets, particularly as other countries faced growing challenges in maintaining food security.
"Other countries sell oil, and we place great importance on them. But, with all due respect, oil cannot be eaten or drunk. Without food, we cannot survive," he said.
The government aims to expand the country's capacity to produce, process and export agricultural products, including rice, fruit, vegetables and livestock products, he said.
Mr Anutin also criticised reliance on agricultural subsidies, saying farmers needed opportunities to improve their livelihoods and earn sustainable incomes.
"Giving them 1,000 baht per rai and various forms of compensation all the time is not sustainable," he said.
Turning to economic security, Mr Anutin said improving confidence in Thailand was encouraging foreign investment and technology transfers. He cited Moody's Ratings and S&P Global Ratings maintaining the country's sovereign ratings while revising their outlooks from negative to positive.
He said Thailand's appeal to foreign investors increasingly rested on its strategic location and transport infrastructure rather than cheap labour and production costs.
Describing Thailand as the "yolk of Asean", he said its transport links provided access to regional markets, southern China and South Asia.
Multinational companies increasingly regarded Thailand as an essential base for regional expansion, he said.
"They may not love Thailand, but they have to use Thailand as a base for expanding their businesses," he said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
No comments:
Post a Comment