| | DECEMBER 20239IN FOCUSSrettha, a self-proclaimed advocate for Thailand, is actively seeking investment during a sequence of summits in the US city amidst the APEC week. During the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Trudeau assured Srettha of Canada's readiness to enhance collaboration with Thailand across multiple sectors, both regionally and provincially, according to Chai. Canada's focus on strengthening relations aligns with its Indo-Pacific strategy, aiming to elevate its connection.Both parties agreed that the ongoing negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and Canada would yield mutual benefits. Srettha has engaged with various prominent corporations exploring the possibility of utilizing Thailand as a manufacturing hub amid the global trend of businesses relocating to the ASEAN region. The Thai government announced commitments from Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to invest approximately 300 billion in Thailand as the nation transitions toward a digital economy.The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989 as a regional economic forum aiming to capitalize on the increasing interdependence among Asia-Pacific nations. Comprising 21 members, APEC's objective is to foster greater prosperity for the region's populace by advocating for balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth while expediting regional economic integration. Zakia Rouf Chowdhury has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of Bank Asia during the bank's 508th board of directors meeting, as per an official statement. With over 35 years of experience in Bangladesh's private sector, she has held key roles within various entities of the prominent Rangs Group, a leading business conglomerate in the country, since its establishment.Zakia Rouf Chowdhury presently holds the position of chairperson at Sea Resources Group, Rangs Pharmaceuticals, Ranks Construction, Ranks-Agro Industries, and Zhen Natural.Additionally, she serves as the managing director at Ranks Real Estate and Ranks Food & Beverage. She is a director at Rangs, Rangs Motors, Rangs Properties, Rancon Autos, Ranks Interior, Ranks Appliance, and several other entities affiliated with Rangs. THAILAND & CANADA ENHANCE TIES AT APEC SUMMITZAKIA ROUF WAS ELECTED BANK ASIA'S VICE CHAIRMAN
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