BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand was handed over the host year leadership of APEC 2022 from New Zealand, and will lead APEC economies on trade and investment facilitation, connectivity and building sustainable economies.
General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, attended the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and expressed his gratitude to New Zealand as host of APEC 2021. Thailand is ready to assume the role of APEC 2022 host economy from New Zealand. The action of accepting the Waka Paddle symbolizes the handover of the APEC hosting to which Thailand will move the APEC ship forward.
As host of APEC 2022, Thailand will push forward its priorities to develop the region towards an inclusive and sustainable growth, while driving APEC towards a sustainable and balanced post-COVID-19 era through the concept of Bio, Circular, and Green Economy, known as the BCG Economy Model.
Moreover, the Prime Minister invited the Thai people to join and work together to build an Asia-Pacific Community under the theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.”
Throughout Thailand’s host year, the APEC 2022 logo will be used to represent Thailand’s theme and priorities. The unveiling of the APEC 2022 Logo—a work created by Mr. Chawanon Wongtrakuljong—is inspired by a “Chalom”, a Thai bamboo basket used to carry items to travel from generation to generation. By using bamboo strands interlaced tightly together, it reflects cooperation among APEC economies.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister also invited APEC economic leaders and representatives to Thailand to attend in-person meetings, and encouraged the Thai people to work together in welcoming delegates and travellers from all the 21 economies and beyond to Thailand throughout 2022.