Japan urged to help create jobs for returned Myanmar labor

Asian Economic News, Nov 19, 2001

BANGKOK, Nov. 15 Kyodo

Thailand wants Japan to help create jobs in Myanmar for illegal Myanmar laborers in Thailand who will be repatriated, Thai Foreign Minister Surakiat Sathirathai said Thursday.

Surakiat was speaking in advance of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Japan on Nov. 18-21 aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and bringing more investment to Thailand.

He said Thaksin will address the issue with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, telling him Thailand wants Japan to play more roles in Southeast Asia and help Thailand with repatriated Myanmar laborers.

''If there is more stability around our neighbor countries, honestly, it will be a strong market for Japan in the future,'' Surakiat added.

During his stay, Thaksin will also meet Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, hold talks with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma and Japanese business leaders and visit Oita Prefecture in southwestern Japan.

The two governments are planning to sign a document outlining the framework of the Japan-Thai economic partnership covering the period from this year to 2005 that places emphasis on reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation.