MANAMA: The Prime Minister is set to play a major role in spurring trade growth and Bahrain-Asia relations. His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will take part in the 21st World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF) which opens in Bangkok, Thailand, today and runs until Friday.

The forum is being held under the theme "Shaping the Region's Future through Connectivity".

The Nation, the leading English-language newspaper in Thailand, hailed the Premier as a high-level guest and described the event as a "heavyweight session".

HRH the Premier and his counterparts from Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung, Laos Thongsing Thammavong and Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra as well as Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will share their views on the challenges and opportunities shaping East Asia.

The Premier is taking part in the forum following an invitation from Shinawatra, thus acknolwedging the key role Bahrain might play in promoting a brighter future for Asia.

He will also deliver a keynote speech, outlining his vision and exchanging views on challenges and opportunities for Asean states.

HRH the Premier's participation at such a key economic event was also highlighted by the Bangkok Post and other Thai-language newspapers, which asserted that his participation in the forum is proof that Bahrain and Asean countries are keen to consolidate co-operation to maintain their growth rates.

His participation is a recognition of his vast experience as a decision-maker and leader, whose wisdom and sound policies have yielded political, economic and social achievements in Bahrain.

More than 50 public figures representing 20 countries, 450 business leaders, 60 global companies, 33 young global leaders and 14 social entrepreneurs along with other members of civil society and academia, will attend WEF.