FROM EIR DAILY ALERT
Panama Supports Building Thailand’s Kra Canal To Boost ‘Global Connectivity’
Oct. 24, 2018 (EIRNS)—In a visit to Thailand yesterday, as part of a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, Panama’s Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado expressed support for building the Kra Canal, which project, she said, would boost Thailand’s role in “global connectivity.”
The project, she said, “is very powerful in every way for connectivity in the future. It’s a huge potential for growth for Thailand.” Asked if she thought Thailand should proceed with the project, she replied: “I think that is the correct direction,” The Nation reported Oct. 23.
Aside from meeting with her counterpart Don Pramudwinai, Saint Malo also met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, with whom she discussed air and maritime connectivity, among other subjects. The PanamaOn.com website reported that Prayut specifically mentioned the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, an infrastructure megaproject which includes railroads, ports and logistical centers to connect the country’s three major airports. The prime minister emphasized that this project would enhance Thailand’s maritime and air connectivity, allowing it to cooperate with other major hubs, such as Panama’s.
Saint Malo underscored that Panama plays a crucial role as a gateway for Thailand to Ibero-America and the Caribbean. With the construction of deep-water ports, Thailand will be able to send large ships from Thailand directly to Panama, carrying local and regional cargo. In her meeting with Transportation Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisit, Saint Malo discussed an agreement between the two nations’ respective transportation ministries on maritime and air services cooperation.
The Vice President also participated in a business conference entitled “Panama: The Big Connection,” attended by 70 businessmen and investors, members of Thailand’s Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Industries.
