WTO: Asian protectionism "threat" to growth of the continent

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The growing "protectionism" implemented by the Asian nations is a "threat" to the growth of the continent which is "has not escaped" the global economic crisis. This is the alarm launched today in Bangkok by Pascal Lamy, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), opening of the 21st World Economic Forum East Asia, held for the first time in Thailand.

Under the theme "Shaping the future of the region through connectivity" the international event opened today (until June 1) attended by 630 delegates, about 200 more than expected, coming from 50 nations. Among them are five Heads of State or Government, from Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. However, the figure that has most captured the interest of media and participants was that of the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who yesterday spoke at the forum, on her first trip abroad after 24 years of house arrest.

The speech of Prime Minister Shinawatra Yingluck, dedicated to the "challenges and opportunities for development of the region", officially launched the 21st  World Forum focusing attention on the host country, Thailand. Experts maintain that Bangkok needs to resolve the issues of education, bureaucracy and corruption which are still major obstacles to growth.

Returning to the intervention of the WTO Director General, he stressed the continuing global "interconnections" which will eventually also affect the Asian nations, "this relative immunity - said Pascal Lamy - can not last forever. "Protectionism is "the greatest risk", given the position of Asia's largest exporter in the world. Lamy has urged ASEAN countries - an association that brings together 10 nations of South-East Asia, including Thailand - to strengthen integration to face external risks.