On 31 January 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) co-hosted a panel discussion on “Driving Post-COVID Economic Recovery as APEC Host in 2022” at the FCCT and online. The event introduced Thailand as the APEC Host Economy in 2022 and provided a forum to exchange views between the foreign media, diplomatic corps, business partners and related government agencies on Thailand’s priorities and key deliverables. Over 70 participants attended the event in person and online.

Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and APEC Senior Official of Thailand, emphasized that Thailand’s main focus this year was to advance post-COVID recovery for APEC economies under the theme
“Open. Connect. Balance.” aimed at identifying specific responses to challenges Thailand and the region are confronting. To elaborate, Thailand is applying the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model as a foundational approach to adapt and promote responsible business practices towards achieving balance in living, while being mindful of the environment. There will be 9 Ministerial Meetings taking place throughout 2022 on issues such as trade, finance, health, food security, forestry, tourism, SMEs and women, while the APEC Leaders Meeting will take place in November.

Ms. Chanunya Bandhukul, Executive Director, Bureau of America, Pacific Affairs and International Organizations, Ministry of Commerce, shared details on the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).  Thailand aims to advance concrete developments in this area as one of its key deliverables, by placing importance on addressing new challenges, especially in the context of COVID-19.  Thailand will also focus on MSMEs, particularly in the context of e-commerce and utilizing digital technology in the global supply chain, as well as the application of the BCG model.

Mr. Kasemsit Pathomsak, member of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), presented views from the private sector.  He underscored that as a major stakeholder in the outcomes of APEC meetings, ABAC has also initiated a theme this year - “Embrace. Engage. Enable.” ABAC stands ready to support the BCG model to navigate APEC Member Economies in a new direction for the future. There are opportunities in green economic growth for tourism and other industries, while importance must be given to reopening borders for international trade and investment. They are also exploring ways to cushion companies from the impact of new emerging diseases and consequent economic shocks.

Ms. Achiraya Thamparipattra, CEO and co-founder of Hivesters, shared her perspectives from the tourism industry.  She found that COVID-19 has completely changed the nature of tourism and work. It has pushed entrepreneurs to diversify their market, and search for new tourism pathways and efforts to reduce environmental impact.  There is also an emphasis on anticipating and minimising impacts from new challenges. APEC’s goals in 2022 must focus on reviving connectivity and facilitating safe international travel.

Participants expressed interest in many issues ranging from influence of major powers, such as the US and China, on APEC’s policy and direction, to the impact of FTAAP on APEC Member Economies and beyond, the transformation of the tourism industry, and concrete outcomes from Thailand’s APEC Host Economy Year.