Bangkok--14 Mar--SET The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s Bond Electronic Exchange (BEX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan’s secondary bond market--Gretai Securities Market—covering information exchange, system development, research and training. They are co-hosting a seminar on Mar. 13 — 14 at the Conrad Hotel and will discuss the establishment of a bond research institute in Bangkok. “This MOU presents a great opportunity for us to learn more about the success of the Taiwanese bond market and apply that to the Thai market,” SET Chairman Pakorn Na Ayudhya said. The collaboration is a milestone in the mutual development of the Thai and Taiwanese capital markets. The MOU will enhance the relationship and underscore future cooperation. As Thailand’s economy continues to develop, Taiwanese investors will be attracted by the market’s favorable environment, Gretai Securities Market Chairman Daung-Yen Lu said. Taiwan’s large bond market has a huge trading turnover in the secondary market, especially in government bonds, which are worth about THB 280 billion a day. Taiwan bond market has grown quickly over the past decade due to its efficient systems, modern structure and large repurchase market, which has been a key to its development. In addition, there are supportive policies, laws and regulations underlying taxation, demand, supply and trading structure. The development of the Thai bond market began more than 15 years ago, with off-exchange or over-the-counter trading. These days, BEX employs an electronic system to serve retail and institutional investors and has total listed bonds worth THB 3.8 trillion, or 45% of Thailand GDP - a 22% increase on 2006. At the co-hosted seminar, Taiwan Fixed-Income Market: Experiences, speakers from Gretai Securities Market shared their experience in developing primary and secondary markets. For more information, please contact the Corporate Communications Dept.: Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 / Sarinluck Jitkawong Tel: 0-2229-2037 / Nattaporn Boonprapa Tel: 0-2229-2049 / Watsamon Saowakhonsathien Tel: 0-2229-2797