Thailand, World Bank deepen cooperation on water, EEC, and digital transformation

BANGKOK - Thailand and the World Bank will deepen cooperation on water resource management, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and digital transformation.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Thailand is eager to expand cooperation with the international financial institution to mutually benefit both sides.

"We will move forward with cooperation, especially on water resource management, the EEC, and digital transformation, until we see concrete results quickly,” he said.

Earlier, Phumtham met World Bank Country Manager for Thailand Fabrizio Zarcone and his delegation at the Government House today to promote mutual understanding and create new opportunities for cooperation.

They also discussed and exchanged ways to work together to develop Thai human capital and competitiveness for the benefit of Thai workers.

Phumtham said the government and World Bank will work together to improve education, so that younger Thai generations can meet the demands of the future and the global workforce.

"We hope to cooperate and listen to policy advices from technical expertise from the World Bank to help develop a conducive regulatory environment,” he said.

Phumtham said the government is moving towards digital government by creating a single system as the base for national development.

"The government also aims to provide a conducive environment for the digital economy, where we believe there’s still a lot of potential for further cooperation.

"The Thai government is ready to cooperate with the World Bank in various areas of cooperation. We truly believe our efforts can lead to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards in Thailand and the region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zarcone said the World Bank in Thailand has staff with expertise in poverty reduction and sustainable development who are ready to help the Thai government achieve its goals in these areas.

"It is a good opportunity and a good starting point for both sides to discuss in order to strengthen our relations and move forward with cooperation between each other. We believe that there are still many opportunities and potential to develop cooperation,” he said. - BERNAMA