2011 CHINA SOUTH MEDIA GROUP “WTO” INTERVIEW

Interview Outline for 素帕猜·巴尼巴滴（ Supachai Panitchpakdi)

http://s15/middle/62608692gab2ecca902ee&690
Time: 15th August, 2011

Location: Video Conference Between Geneva in Switzerland and Washington DC in US

1.      Dr. Panitchpakdi - with the most recent market volatility and economic downturn since the downgrade of the US's Credit Rating on 5th August, what will be the strategic plan of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to help us through this potentially disastrous global economic crisis?

2. Most recently, there is a discussion that the US Federal Reserve may launch a 3rd round of “Quantitative Easing” where government bonds would be purchased to stimulate the national economy. If so, this may lead to the depreciation of the US dollar against other currencies. One big concern for China in this case is the safety of its holdings of foreign reserves. How would you respond to these comments?

3. In terms of solutions to the financial crisis, how would you comment on the Special Drawing Rights policy you have previously recommended, which relates to the adoption of a basket of currencies?

4. You previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce in Thailand during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. Also, during the years from 2002 to 2005, when you were the general director of WTO, you worked tirelessly to promote the policy of granting equal trade opportunities to developing countries such as the Southeast Asian Nations. What do you think of the relationship between China and ASEAN, especially now when the ASEAN member states have collectively surpassed Japan to become China's third largest trading partner. Is China a partner rather than a threat?

5. After 12 years serving as a senior official working for international organizations and 13 years working for the Thailand government, you must have unique understanding on personnel changes in international organizations. There is one saying that the most selection of IMF leadership needs to reflect an evolving global pattern , especially with changes in representation of countries such as China. Do you agree with this view?

6. I know you were recently in China where you forecasted that China would become the largest economy in the world before the year 2020, while back to the year 2002 when China entered WTO, You published one book, ‘China and WTO: Changing China, Changing World Trade’. My question for you is how has your personal impression of China changed over the years, from the 1990’s when you were actively involved with APEC and WTO, to now as Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)?

7. Joining the WTO gives China a unique opportunity to accelerate its economic reform agenda. As a result, China saw the fastest growth in the past 10 years and it has become the second largest economy in the world, and is currently the second largest trade partner to the United States after Canada. Do you think China’s roadmap to success can give some inspiration to other developing countries? How does the rest world benefit from China’s growth? Who will be the next candidate to join the WTO?

8. Reflecting on China’s participation in the WTO, do you think China has done well to abide by the WTO's rules and regulations?  Recently, WTO ruled that China’s restriction on nine types of raw material export is illegal, a ruling that reflects on the differences in opinion between China and other nations. In your opinion, what kind of role would you personally like to see China play in the coming years, with respect to the global economy and with China’s economic relations with both developing and developed countries?

9. Looking back at your tenure with Thailand Government, the WTO and UNCTAD, which position did you like the most? What were the biggest challenges that you faced in each tenure?

10. Looking forward to your upcoming work within the UNCTAD, what are some of the objectives you intend to accomplish during your final tenure as Secretary-?

By Cheng AI

cheng_ai@hks12.harvard.edu; +1(617) 955-7244

2011-08-11