Permanent-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets with AMCHAM Thailand on Joint Priorities for APEC and Economic Growth

On March 22, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand) hosted a roundtable meeting with Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, the Permanent-Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chair of APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) and Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, the Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs and Thailand’s Senior Official for APEC SOM.

Meeting discussions involved the government’s priorities for APEC under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance”; potential collaborations between AMCHAM and the Ministry on APEC; and AMCHAM member’s priorities to be promoted through the APEC framework. These include the development of digital and creative economies as well as cross-border digital trade; rebuilding regional connectivity and tourism; the role of the private sector in promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability; and strengthening regional energy security. The Permanent-Secretary and the Director-General provided valuable feedback and comments in response to AMCHAM members’ proposals and suggestions on ways the Ministry could collaborate with AMCHAM.

In his closing remarks, AMCHAM President Jeff Nygaard of Seagate delivered AMCHAM’s appreciation for the Permanent-Secretary’s consideration and time to meet with AMCHAM’s members and provide comprehensive and insightful information on plans and priorities for APEC. AMCHAM and its members stand ready to collaborate and offer assistance to the government to achieve a successful APEC Summit this year.

About AMCHAM

The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. With over 2,600 members representing over 600 American, Thai, and other international companies, AMCHAM is the leading international business association in Thailand. Member companies have cumulatively invested over U.S. $50 billion in Thailand and provide more than 200,000 local jobs.

If you would like to learn more about AMCHAM, please visit: www.amthamthailand.com or contact Varsha Wadhwani, AMCHAM Communications Officer, at e-mail varsha@amchamthailand.com.