“ASEAN Business Forum 2011” to be Co-hosted by Two Main Organizations, for 3 consecutive years

Bangkok--23 Feb--TMA “ASEAN Business Forum 2011” to be Co-hosted by Two Main Organizations,for 3 consecutive years Top Business Leaders from Thailand and Other Countries to Share Insights to Advance Thailand’s Private Sector into AEC in 2015 The Board of Trade of Thailand in collaboration with TMA - Thailand Management Association, co-host the“ASEAN Business Forum 2012” on February 28-29, 2012, at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal MeridienHotelTo attain a primary goal in forming the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015, the ASEAN hasdeveloped economic integration plans in four significant areas: 1) Single market and production base, 2)highly competitive economic region, 3) a region of reasonable economic development by minimizing thegap between old and new members, 4) a region fully integrated into global economy by emphasizingregional economic adjustment to correspond with other regions. Recognizing the importance of changes in these areas and coping with the forthcoming intense competition, the organizers will host the “ASEAN Business Forum 2012” from February 28-29, 2012; in the format of lectures and panel discussions by various business executives from around the world, (attacheddocuments as reference). H.E. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, will give an openingspeech. Many notable diplomats and executives will join the two-day forum; such as Dr. Surin Pitsuwan —Secretary General, ASEAN; Mr. Tevin Vongvanich - Chairman, Thailand Management Association andChief Financial Officer, PTT Public Company Limited and Mr. Kalin Sarasin — Deputy Secretary General,Thai Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director, SCG Trading Co. Approximately 500 executives fromThailand and other countries, representing both private and public sectors have signed up to participate. The objectives of this forum are: to update on the preparation for private sector to advance into AEC; toprovide view points on current affairs within the region and essential factors for AEC to be successful whichinclude physical connectivity, rules and regulations, human resources development; to assure businesscollaboration in building competitive and sustainable AEC market; to provide opportunities for participantsto share experience and exchange ideas; to establish a network among ASEAN and international businessleaders. Guest speakers are prominent regional and international business leaders from various industries. Participants will hugely benefit from their experience and knowledge. The organizers cordially invite members of media to attend the “ASEAN Business Forum 2012” fromFebruary 28-29, 2012, at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien Hotel. TMA provides opportunities for members of media to interview participants during this forum. (Thai —English translation headphones are available for members of media.) For more information, please contact Khun Prapaporn Buaban or Khun Benjamart Booncharoen at 02-319-7677 ext. 265, 101; fax: 02-319-5666; email [email protected] or [email protected]