Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Ministry’s proactive role as a bridge builder in connecting Thailand to the World and connecting the World to Thailand by encouraging Thai private sector to do business with the United Nations, which is in line with the government’s policy in reviving and strengthening the Thai economy. This was at the 2nd edition of the seminar on “Business Opportunities with the United Nations” organised by the Department of International Organisation and UNESCAP.

H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, reiterated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s determination to act as a bridge in fostering partnerships and business opportunities between Thailand and the global community using multilateral diplomacy at the seminar on “Business Opportunities with the United Nations (UN): Tips for Doing Business with the UN”, aiming at empowering the Thai private sector in doing business with the United Nations.

Held on 9 December 2020 at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the seminar was well attended by Thai entrepreneurs from various sectors as well as representatives from public agencies and social enterprises including: Doi Kham Food Products Company Limited; the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT); the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior; the Federation of Thai Industries; and the Thai Hotels Association. The seminar underscored the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s efforts to act as a bridge and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with people at the centre of development. Amidst the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the seminar identified opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to adapt and enhance their competitiveness to meet international standards and explore new markets by doing business with the UN. Moreover, participants were informed about new opportunities, such as in bidding for the UNESCAP construction projects particularly the Seismic mitigation retrofit and life-cycle replacements project – SMP. The first construction phase of the project is expected to start in the first half of 2021 with completion expected at the end of 2023.

Apart from providing useful information on the UN procurement system and procurement categories, UNESCAP Procurement officials also helped Thai entrepreneurs navigate through the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) which is the official procurement portal of the United Nations System. In addition, participants received various tips and examples of best practices in doing business and working with the UN from guest speakers including Mom Luang Dispanadda Diskul, Chief Executive Officer, Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and Ms. Sirithon Wairatpanij, Minister Counsellor, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) on trilateral cooperation and business opportunities in supplying goods and services for UN projects as well as TICA. In addition, Mr. Vairoj Rookkapibala, representative of the Thai SMEs, also inspired the audience with his experience and perspectives on business partnership with the UN.

According to a recent UN Procurement Report, the total volume of UN agencies’ procurement of goods and services worldwide in 2019 is worth 19.9 billion USD (approximately 600 billion Thai baht). Procurement from suppliers in Thailand is valued at 85 million USD, a number which has been increasing for three consecutive years.

A video clip of the seminar can be viewed at
https://www.facebook.com/153641954675821/posts/5042102322496402/