The World Knowledge
Forum, Seoul, South Korea, (October 16, 2013) - Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime
minister of Thailand, argued for an integrated network of transport
infrastructure during his keynote speech at the 14th World Knowledge Forum held
at Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul on Tuesday. The railroad network would
create new markets along the rail route, he said, delivering opportunities to
mitigated areas and seaport outlets.
The
mass production model has driven the economic growth in the 20th century and
generated great profits for the industrial giants of the West, according to Mr
Shinawatra. But the former prime minister pointed out that the profits came at
the cost of keeping labor cost low in Asia to bolster the giants of the West.
Furthermore, Asia was left with little option but to depend heavily on
stimulating growth through increasing the manufacturing exports to Asia’s major
customers in the West, Mr Shinawatra said.
He
added, “To be one Asia is to lessen our overdependence on western import
capacity and to enhance our own trade interlinkage within Asia.”
To
surmount the problem, the former Thai leader proposed building a mega-size rail
route. The mainland China already has put in place a railroad network, while
Southeast Asian countries plan to develop similar infrastructure. This means
connecting the rail routes would establish a huge railroad network, Mr
Shinawatra argued. A “fast, efficient reliable transport system” for cargo
should be linked with a state-of-the-art air transport to create chain-reaction
effects, he said.
Lastly, to make ‘One Asia’ possible, he said, “I must
emphasize that in order to success create one Asia there need to be a climate
of peace and stability. We must put our conflicts aside.” His remark means regional
peace and stability are essential for growth and prosperity to succeed.
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