H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, is scheduled to lead a high-level delegation to attend the Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue (EMDCD) during the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, People’s Republic of China, on 5 September 2017. The delegation will consist of H.E. Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister; H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport, as well as other senior government officials.

 

As the host country and Chair of BRICS for 2017, China has invited five developing countries and emerging markets that play significant roles in the international economy and enjoy a close relationship with China to attend the EMDCD. Thailand is the only country from the Southeast Asia to be invited to attend the EMDCD. During the Chinese Chairmanship of the G20 in 2016, Thailand was invited by China to attend the G20 Hangzhou Summit as a representative of the Group of 77. In addition to Thailand, China invited four other countries outside of the BRICS members namely: Mexico, Egypt, Tajikistan, 

and Guinea.

 

The theme of the EMDCD is “Strengthening Mutually-Beneficial Cooperation for Common Development”. Under this theme, two topics will be discussed: (1) the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and (2) strengthening South-South cooperation and international development cooperation. 

 

At the EMDCD, the Prime Minister will have the opportunity to share his vision to the international community of Thailand’s constructive role in representing developing countries as well as showcase the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a means to achieve the SDGs. 

 

BRICS is an association of countries that has emerged onto the global stage consisting of countries that are among the foremost emerging markets in the world. The first summit was held in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China as the initial members with South Africa joining a year later. BRICS economies account for 27% of the global economy while accounting for 42% of the global population. Moreover, BRICS plays a constructive role in representing emerging markets and developing countries in the global economy, developing concrete policies and encouraging cooperation such as the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) as a source of financial support for infrastructure and development projects and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).