On 30 September 2021, NSTDA Executive Vice President Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana gave a presentation on Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model – Thailand’s New Sustainable Growth Engine and National Development Agenda at the Virtual Thailand-UK Roundtable Meeting on BCG. Organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in London and Public Policy Projects, the meeting was moderated by the Rt Hon Claire Perry O’Neill, Former Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth.

 

The purpose of the meeting is to establish new ways for the UK and Thailand to enhance their collaboration in the delivery of Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model and to identify new synergies and opportunities that will not only serve to strengthen the cooperation between Thailand and UK but will further enhance the UK and Thailand’s bilateral trading relationship. In addition to the introduction of BCG made by NSTDA, the meeting agenda also included the talks on “BCG Opportunities in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)” and “BCG and Thailand’s Export Product Development” by representatives from the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) and the Department of International Trade Promotion, respectively.

The meeting was attended by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Thailand Mark Garnier MP, high-level representatives from Thailand and UK and UK business sector. The discussion focused on the key components required for Thailand to successfully implement the BCG model as a driver for post- COVID economic recovery and potential areas for Thailand - UK collaboration.

BCG model is Thailand’s national agenda to drive sustainable economic growth, social inclusiveness and environmental sustainability. The model utilizes technology and innovation to boost competitiveness of four major industries in Thailand – namely agriculture and food; medical and wellness; bioenergy, biomaterial and biochemical; and tourism and creative economy. NSTDA serves as the secretariat of the BCG Policy Board, chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand.