Conference on Local Economic Development & Investment Strategies in Batum, Indonesia

The National Municipal League of Thailand has been invited to attend the conference on Local Economic Development & Investment Strategies which would be held on 23-25 June 2010 at Pacific Palace Hotel, hosted by the UCLG and UCLG ASPAC

The purpose of the conference is to provide an overview, input and also consideration from various viewpoints on regional economic development and investment strategies that related to the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Regional Financial System and tourism. The objective is to answer the problems that exist primarity on the development of the FTZ and tourism in the province of Riau Islands.

Mr. Jirapat Sukhanite and Ms. Rvipak are the selected representatives being called forthe conference in Batum.  Mr. Jirapat is assigned to present on the Thai Tourism for the conference with the assisting of Ms Ravipak.  The secretariat of the NMT was expected to attend this conference but he was not able to come regarding to his urgent mission relating to the central-local relation on revenue shares, authority revision, future budgeting, etc.

Departing from Suwanapum International Airport at 8.00am, the TG 403 flight arrived at Changhi Airport in Singapore at 10.00am, we hired a local taxi to visit the China Town for a couple hour and headed to the Harbour Front by MRT for boarding on the Ferry Boat. The round ticket is 50 Singapore Dollar for each.  The ferry took only 45 minitues to arrive Batum Island where the conference was held.   At about 7.30 pm, the host country invited all participants to have welcome dinner.

The conference started from 9.30 after opening ceremony wich I felt too long procedure and complicated.  The welcome speech made by Vice-Governor of Riau province.