Dear Members,
We have recently concluded the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Australia Thailand Business Council held at the offices of our valued member Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd in Sydney.
This year we passed another milestone with the retirement of Tamerlaine Beasley as our very energetic president and she will be missed in this position. She has borne a heavy load and her efforts and those of several retiring board members have greatly enhanced ATBC over the past two years.
So far, the ATBC has not filled the position of President for 2013 -14 and we will continue under the leadership of Past Presidents, Robert Taylor and John Connor and National Treasurer Doug Blunt, together with the larger board of ATBC. These three long standing members were elected as acting joint presidents and will share the role internally and each act as President from time to time externally.
The Australia -Thailand relationship is entering an interesting phase with two way trade and investment continuing to grow especially with more Thai owned companies beginning operations in Australia as well as Australian companies large and small finding the confidence to commence operations in Thailand. These companies will continue to need a collective voice in commerce and with relations with government and we are confident that there is a continued role for ATBC as economic relationships with regional countries continue to expand. Thailand has become a shining example in this respect.
As we have done for more than 30 years, we will continue to cooperate with member companies and other like-minded bodies including our sister organisation, Austcham Bangkok to pursue our founding goals. It will of course be event and member interest driven.
With Thailand currently navigating its way through political storms, business continues to focus on the risks and the rewards of engaging in the country;s growth. We will continue to update the web site and social media and undertake events as and when the opportunity arises.
With seasons greetings and wishes for a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2014
Robert Taylor
John Connor
Douglas Blunt
Joint Presidents
