The Thai delegation, comprising representatives of NXPO, the Office of SMEs Promotion and the Federation of Thai Industries, recently took part in the Regional Policy Dialogue on ASEAN MSMEs Participation in Circular Economy. Hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs on 25-26 July 2023, the event was attended by over 50 organizations from ASEAN. 

Representing NXPO were Dr. Saravanee Singtong, the Director of Sustainable Development Policy and Future Planning Division, and Ms. Chaniporn Ruangrit, a Policy Analyst. During the dialogue, Dr. Saravanee presented details of Thailand’s circular economy and its progress and participated in the discussions focusing on policies to promote participation of ASEAN micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the circular economy. Meanwhile, Ms. Chaniporn Ruangrit shared insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding Thailand’s circular economy implementation during the workshop. The inputs gathered from this dialogue are expected to play a crucial role in shaping policies and regional cooperation mechanisms aimed at fostering MSMEs’ active participation in the circular economy.  

The event was also joined by distinguished guests and experts, including H.E. Hanung Harimba Rachman, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs; H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community; Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, ASEAN Secretariat’s Director of Sectoral Development Directorate; and Mr. Shameer Khanal, Lead Advisor/Cluster Coordinator ASEAN. 

During the dialogue, it was recognized that the circular economy and the energy sector play crucial roles in achieving the net-zero goal. Therefore, NXPO representatives proposed three key areas for regional cooperation: 1) BCG indicator, 2) digital platform for circular economy cooperation in selected sectors, and 3) technologies for net zero implementation in Saraburi Sandbox.