The Department of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, together with the Ministry of Commerce, are co-hosting a seminar on ‘Globalisation: Implications for the Asia-Pacific Region in the 21^st  Century’ and a dialogue on ‘the APEC Post – 2020 Vision’ on 9^th August 2017 from 9.00 – 17.00 hrs. at C-ASEAN Convention Centre, Bangkok.

The seminar aims to promote better understanding of the benefits of free and open trade. It is also intended to identify opportunities and challenges for the Asia – Pacific region amidst the digital era, and to seek policy recommendations to enhance and ensure access to the benefits of globalisation within the Asia – Pacific Region. The seminar will also serve as a forum for stakeholders to discuss the future of APEC under the current context. Distinguished speakers include Dr. Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat; Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Thai National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (TNCPEC) and representatives from APEC member economies namely Chile, Korea and, the host of APEC 2017, Viet Nam.

In addition, the working lunch on “Green, Sustainable and Innovative – The Keys to Future Business Success” will be organised as part of this important event. The executives from Charoen Pokphand Food PCL (CPF) will present an approach towards sustainable development and the use of innovation to enhance the worth and value of the business, society and environment, as well as its commitment to promote food security amidst climate change. CPF’s work on sustainability and corporate social responsibility aligns with Thailand’s leading role in developing the APEC Strategy for Green, Sustainable and Innovative MSMEs, which will be one of the key deliverables of the 2017 APEC SME Ministerial Meeting.

The outcome of this event will be reported at the upcoming third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting, which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam in mid-August 2017. It is also hoped that the seminar will contribute to the development of Thailand’s strategic position on APEC Post – 2020 Vision.