Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, said that global governments must work in collaboration and share innovations to ensure world economies bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking today at the World Government Summit (WGS2022) in Dubai during the Government Strategy and Dynamics Forum, he stressed that such partnerships can help countries not only recover from the reverberating economic shocks of the pandemic but also achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our meeting today is taking place at a critical time in the world,” said Punmeechaow. “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all segments of population and the global economy. It is more relevant than ever that we have collaboration among world governments to tackle the global outbreak and other challenges.”
He also spoke about the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model, established by Thailand’s government to form part of the Thailand 4.0 policy as a way to expedite economic and social development.
The model integrates bio economy, circular economy, and green economy, and is rooted in Thailand’s strengths in agriculture, natural resources, and geography. It also aligns with the UN SDGs and will be critical in helping the Southeast Asian country sustainably recover from COVID-19.
Thailand, said Punmeechaow, is open to sharing the BCE Model with the rest of the world to ensure other societies bounce back from the pandemic and “serve as a common neutral ground” for the achievement of the UN SDGs.
The country is now looking at securing partnerships in green economy, technology, and innovation for its sustainable future. Punmeechaow said that the nation looks forward to strengthening its five-decade relations with the UAE as well as with other nations in the GCC region.
He added that sustainability is key for myriad industries, from bioenergy, healthcare, and agriculture to medical and sustainable tourism, which play an integral role in Thailand’s economic diversification strategy.
Punmeechaow concluded, “Thailand is ready to welcome back international tourists. We will strive towards our goals of becoming a medical and wellness hub as a destination for tourists and skilled talent. We welcome investment for the future.”
Source: Emirates News Agency