On October 4, 2023, Mr. Wanchat Suwankitti, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, together with Mr. Tetsushi Yoshikawa, Deputy Director-General of the Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, co-chaired the 28th Meeting on Mekong-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation under the West-East Economic Corridor Working Group (28th Meeting on Mekong-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation under WEC-WG). The meeting was attended by representatives from the ASEAN-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), the Mekong Institute, and Mekong countries including Lao PDR, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam, at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
The meeting acknowledged the progress and achievements of projects under the Mekong Industrial Development Vision 2.0 (2019-2023) (MIDV 2.0), which comprises three pillars: Connectivity, Digital Innovation, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The participants also discussed challenges and joint solutions for the Mekong sub-region and approved future operational guidelines, emphasizing increased private sector participation.
On this occasion, the NESDC presented the progress of Thailand’s projects and area-based development plans, which align with the Mekong-Japan cooperation framework. These include the development of economic corridors, the MR-MAP master plan, the development of motorways parallel to rail systems, and the promotion of the electric vehicle industry as outlined in the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan. The NESDC also proposed expanding the scope of cooperation in knowledge and technology transfer from Japanese public and private sectors to Mekong countries.
In the afternoon, the Deputy Secretary-General co-chaired the opening of the Mekong-Japan Business Seminar, organized in collaboration with METI, AMEICC, JETRO, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The seminar was attended by over 200 participants from both public and private sectors, domestically and internationally. Discussions covered the overview of investments and public-private cooperation, as well as the business environment in each Mekong sub-region member country. NESDC The NESDC presented on Thailand’s economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis and key focus areas of the 13th National Development Plan, which aims to transform the country towards a sustainable high-value economy. The presentation also covered investment promotion measures for target industries and the development of Thailand’s economic corridors, particularly the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which offers ready infrastructure, facilitation, and various tax and non-tax incentives.
Subsequently, there was a panel discussion with representatives from the public and private sectors of Mekong member countries and Japan, focusing on three main issues under the Mekong Industrial Development Vision 2.0, with key points as follows:
1) Diverse Connectivity encompassing physical, social, institutional, and digital aspects, which is crucial for development and has become increasingly complex in the current era. Challenges remain due to regulatory inconsistencies and lack of continuity in cross-border trade facilitation, affecting businesses in many countries. This necessitates international cooperation to address these issues jointly.
2) Digital Innovation The adoption of digital technology in the business sector and digital transformation require comprehensive supportive policies to create a business ecosystem that promotes startups. This includes human resource development, investment promotion, and the development of joint regional regulations.
3) Sustainable Development and Green Initiatives Supporting ESG concepts and transitioning supply chains to be environmentally friendly. Key approaches include fostering cooperation between SMEs and large businesses in terms of funding and technology, along with social development and good governance.
News: Strategy and International Cooperation Coordination Division
