By Min Yea-Ji and Lee Jihae

President Moon Jae-in and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Nov. 25 held a bilateral summit at the Westin Chosun in Busan on bolstering cooperation in investment, infrastructure, water management, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

On the sidelines of the 2019 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)–ROK (Republic of Korea) Commemorative Summit and the inaugural Mekong-ROK Summit, President Moon welcomed the signing of memorandums of understanding by the two nations on cooperation in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), saying he hopes both sides see mutual development through cooperation in various sectors.

Part of Thailand's economic development model 4.0 Policy, the EEC aims to implement large-scale infrastructure development, foster 12 next-generation industries and attract smart cities to three special economic zones in the country's southeastern region by 2021.

"The Thai government will provide all conveniences to Korean investors, who have strength in innovative sectors pertinent to the Fourth Industrial Revolution such as vehicles, electric cars, digital robots and hydrogen-powered cars," Chan-o-cha said, expressing hope for the active participation of Korean companies in this venture.

President Moon also mentioned the convoy a Korean corporation exported to Thailand in October named "Bhumibol Adulyadej" after Thailand's late king.

"I hope the Korean convoy has its excellence recognized and contributes to the augmentation of Thailand's national defense," he said, adding that he hopes for stronger bilateral cooperation in national defense and the defense industry.

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