On 4 October 2023, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, presided over the opening of the 7th High-level Dialogue on ASEAN-Italy Economic Relations, alongside H.E. Mr. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Marking the 155th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-Italy diplomatic relations in 2023, the event was co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in collaboration with The European House-Ambrosetti – an Italian think tank, and the Italian Embassy in Bangkok.

More than 300 participants from Thailand, Italy and other ASEAN countries - including policymakers, business leaders and academics - joined the forum to exchange views on how both regions can best navigate new opportunities and tackle common challenges in the current global landscape. With sustainability and green transition as this year’s theme, key discussion topics include strengthening ASEAN-Italy supply chain for strategic sectors, addressing climate change and building resilience and inclusive growth through digitalisation and innovation.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs reiterated the Thai Government’s priority to pursue proactive economic diplomacy and invited Italian businesses to deepen their trade and investment ties with Thailand. He also called for ASEAN and Italy to forge new partnerships to ensure that business communities of both sides, including SMEs, are better equipped to reap benefits from green transition and a thriving digital economy.

In addition to the High-level Dialogue, two side events also took place on 3 October 2023. These included the business matching for 50 Thai and ASEAN companies to meet with their Italian counterparts in the renewable energy, pharmaceutical and sustainable agriculture sectors, as well as the roundtable discussion focusing on the role of the financial sector and private capital in fostering ASEAN-Italy investments.