Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advocated BCG Economy Model for the post COVID-19 sustainable development and proposed cooperation between ASEAN and New Zealand in areas which New Zealand has expertise, such as climate-smart agriculture, education, ecotourism, and marine debris, at the 28th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue.

On 23 March 2021, Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 28th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue via video conference. The meeting was co-chaired by Mrs. Eat Sophea, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations, and Mrs. Alison Mann, Director General of Asia Regional Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand. The meeting discussed various dimensions of ASEAN-New Zealand strategic partnership and exchanged views on important regional and international issues.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary led the discussion on sustainable development that will help lay the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 society. Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model was proposed as an approach for balanced economic, social, and environmental development to bring about regional security, prosperity, and sustainability.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary also proposed cooperation between ASEAN and New Zealand in areas which New Zealand has expertise, such as climate-smart agriculture, education, ecotourism, and marine debris.

The meeting provided an important platform for propelling forward ASEAN’s strategic partnership with New Zealand, one of ASEAN’s oldest dialogue partners, and to prepare for the Ministerial Meeting scheduled to be held later this year.