On November 27, 2025, during the 27th GMS Ministerial Meeting, parallel discussion forums were organized, including the 2025 GMS Business Forum and the Local Governments’ Forum, which reflected the core concept of this year’s ministerial meeting that emphasized promoting inclusive growth, balanced development, and prosperity through the integration of local governments and the private sector in the GMS subregion
The National Economic and Social Development Council, together with the GMS Business Council, co-hosted the 2025 GMS Business Forum with Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, serving as co-chair alongside Mr. Scott Morris, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), accompanied by Mr. Akom Termpittayapaisith, former Minister of Finance, and Dr. Benjrong Suwankeree, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Finance, who delivered keynote speeches. Development partners’ representatives also participated, including Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn Director of the Mekong Institute, as well as government and private sector representatives from GMS member countries. The forum aimed to enhance private sector participation through co-investment in projects aligned with the context and development opportunities under the Regional Investment Framework (RIF). Representatives from the six GMS National Coordinators and development partners reported on past RIF implementation results and presented development goals and key projects under the current RIF framework to provide opportunities for private sector and development partners to consider joint investment
Additionally, a Business Forum High-Level Dialogue was organized, where Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, addressed the importance of public-private cooperation in developing the Mekong subregion and proposed three main approaches: (1) promoting investment facilitation and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) through systematic and continuous communication between the public and private sectors, (2) focusing on investment in innovation and digital connectivity through data integration between public and private sectors, including leveraging artificial intelligence systems to enhance regional transportation capabilities toward the goal of becoming a global supply chain destination, and (3) creating alignment between national development approaches and regional core needs by utilizing member countries’ comparative advantages to drive inclusive and sustainable development
On the same day, a Local Governments’ Forum was also organized, chaired by Mr. Pavit Ramachandran Deputy Director General for Southeast Asia at ADB, with Thai representatives led by Mr. Worayan Boonnaraj, Governor of Mukdahan Province, accompanied by Ms. Jinna Tansarawiputh, Policy and Planning Advisor at NESDC, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior. The discussion aimed to enhance local government participation in development strategy formulation, involvement in the proposal, screening, and implementation processes of RIF projects, as well as their roles in various working groups under the GMS program. On the evening of the same day, NESDC hosted a Ministerial Gala Dinner for GMS ministers, senior ADB executives, and meeting participants, presided over by Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office. This reception was held on the occasion of Thailand hosting the 27th GMS Ministerial Meeting on November 28, 2025 and to celebrate the successful achievements of the past year’s operations
Subject: Strategy and International Cooperation Coordination Division
National Economic and Social Development Council
Photo: Methitiya Wongpakdee