BANGKOK — The growth of digital technology for inclusive and sustainable economic development is a top priority for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Việt Nam (CLMTV).

The statement was made in a joint declaration on technology co-operation during the CLMTV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Việt Nam) Forum 2018, organised by the Thai Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with partner organisations with the theme “CLMTV Taking-Off Through Technology” that kicked off in Bangkok today.

The two-day forum aims to strengthen economic ties in the CLMTV region and promote regional cooperation amidst challenges in the context of current global trade, with an emphasis on the use of technology for economic development.

The forum has attracted about 1,000 participants from the public, private and academic sectors along with members of the media.

During his opening remarks, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the CLMTV Forum provided a unique opportunity for leading business people, senior policy makers and academics, and the younger generation of entrepreneurs to come together and exchange views on the sustainability of future cooperation.

“With shared historical, geographical, and cultural ties, the CLMTV region has great potential to develop into a thriving global hub for commerce, industry and tourism. An outstanding feature of the CLMTV region is our resilience as a preferred destination for international trade and investment,” he said.

“As the region is emerging with greater creative talent and entrepreneurial ingenuity, there is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of this trend by highlighting the importance of technology and innovation towards the momentum of this regional growth,” the Prime Minister said.

This will require fine-tuning our cooperation in digital technology, transport infrastructure connectivity, environmental sustainability, and human resource development, all of which would be substantial to the discussions within the 2018 CLMTV Forum, he said.

Thai Minister of Commerce Sontirat Sontijirawong said the forum created opportunities for public and private sectors from all CLMTV countries to develop a shared narrative to enhance collaboration and improve the state of economic development in the region amid rapidly evolving disruptive technology.

“It is the only international forum that connects prominent public figures, distinguished business leaders, visionary young entrepreneurs, and renowned academics from the CLMVT region and beyond to discuss the most pressing issues facing the region today,” Sontijirawong said.

The first day of the forum is themed “Technology to Change Trade and Investment”, comprising parallel discussions, ministerial conversations and leading business people exchanging views and extending networks.

The second day, themed “Technology to Change Life and Yound Generation”, emphasises the promotion of an inclusive economy by enhancing the capacity to ultilise technologies among SMEs and startups, and by applying digital technologies to support a creative economy.

The CLMTV Forum 2018 also features more than 40 exhibition booths from domestic and international organisations. — VNS