Bangkok--13 Sep--SET There has been an overwhelming response to Thailand Focus 2007: Platforms for Growth, which began today (September 12, 2007) with more than 270 local and foreign investors taking part, far more than expected. Of these, 90 are foreign investors. In addition, more than 218 participants, including senior executives from the public and private sectors and listed companies’ representatives, attended the event, along with 140 members of the local and international press. Altogether, 558 people were present for the launch of the three-day investment promotion, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s President Patareeya Benjapolchai said. The next three months will be a turning point in Thailand’s politics, with the national elections scheduled for the end of the year and a newly-elected government expected to take office by January 2008. The interim government’s platform contains four major planks for Thailand’s economic and social development, these being economic management during the transition period, building a strong foundation for economic and social restructuring, strengthening of national unity and equity in society, and political reform through the new Constitution, H. E. Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont stated in his keynote address. Thailand maintains strong and stable economic fundamentals. The economy is expected to grow by 4-4.5%, with exports being a major driver. The acting government maintains economic stimulation policies, while promoting trade opportunities and investments between Thailand and other countries, the Prime Minister added. Today’s seminars included a discussion on Thailand’s automotive industry, where panelists agreed that the sector has seen constant growth, will expand further, and may outpace others in the region. The industry has grown by 16% at present and will increase by 37% over the next three years (2010), as more Japanese investment is expected. Obviously, the auto industry is an attractive target for foreign investors. At Thailand Focus 2007, listed firms from Bursa Malaysia, Jakarta Stock Exchange, Singapore Exchange and Philippines Stock Exchange participated for the first time with their Thai counterparts to promote a key regional industry in ASEAN - tourism. Panelists agreed that the tourism and hotel businesses have a bright future, as indicated by very high room occupancy figures and occasionally insufficient supply of rooms. This has created increasing demand for labor in the sector. In addition, listed company executives were confident about expanding investment in tourism-related industries in ASEAN. There was a positive spirit of collaboration among ASEAN businesses and other organizations. Regional stock markets promised to cooperate in making ASEAN more attractive and appealing to foreign investors.