On 30 June 2023, Mrs. Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the virtual Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting. The Meeting was chaired by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Also attended the meeting were representatives from the relevant Thai agencies; namely, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Finance and the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The Meeting discussed ways forward for IPEF cooperation, particularly under Pillar III (Clean Economy) and Pillar IV (Fair Economy). The Meeting exchanged views on possible cooperation projects that would lead to tangible benefits for Pillar III, such as the U.S. Government’s proposal regarding USD 300 million funding for sustainable infrastructure projects in IPEF partner countries, plans to organize an Investor Forum to enhance investment opportunities, possibility of setting up a Climate Fund, and promoting innovation through knowledge exchange, skills development and academic partnerships. They also discussed the establishment of Capacity Building Framework under Pillar IV as a mechanism to provide technical assistance among IPEF partner countries.    

On this occasion, the Deputy Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of public-private partnership under Pillar III to enhance investment and development of clean economy and green technologies. On Pillar IV, the Deputy Permanent Secretary prioritized tax-related cooperation and anti-corruption efforts in line with international standards in order to promote fairer economy, supporting demand-driven capacity building framework toward effective implementations of each partner country’s respective obligations under the existing international instruments.