APEC 2003: New Executive Director From Thailand

Ambassador Piamsak Milintachinda of Thailand will become the eleventh Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat when he takes up his post on 1 January, 2003.

After serving as the Deputy Executive Director through 2002, Ambassador Piamsak said he looks forward to working toward the goals of the 2003 APEC year that will be hosted by Thailand.

"A world of differences - partnership for the future is the APEC theme for 2003," Ambassador Piamsak said.

The 2003 APEC year will be all about making the most from the perse strengths of the 21 APEC members.

The focus of APEC 2003 will be aimed at restoring prosperity and dynamism in the Asia Pacific region.

Regardless of their level of development, resources and financial strength, all APEC economies must forge a partnership to foster regional economic growth.

Identifying areas of synergy will help APEC members to move faster towards our goals of free and open trade and investment for developed economies by 2010 and for developing economies by 2020.

"I also intend to build on the work of my predecessor from Mexico, Ambassador Alejandro de la Peña, to further strengthen the capacity and efficiency of the Secretariat by the conclusion of my term in December 2003."

Ambassador Piamsak was born in Bangkok in 1950. Educated at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Wayne State University in the United States, Ambassador Piamsak has served in the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1977.

During his career Ambassador Piamsak has represented Thailand on numerous postings including Singapore, New York and Geneva.

Ambassador Piamsak has extensive experience in international trade issues and served as the Deputy Permanent Representative for the Thailand Mission to the World Trade Organization from 1995 to 1998.

Returning to Thailand after his posting to the WTO, Ambassador Piamsak was appointed Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs and then as the Deputy Director-General of Department of European Affairs at the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.