On March 17, 2025, the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) and the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, co-organized the seminar entitled “Empowering SMEs towards a Future in Green Economy: New Chapter for Thailand–Japan Collaboration” at the Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel, Bangkok.
The seminar aimed to enhance collaboration between Thailand and Japan, with a focus on supporting SMEs in adapting to the rapidly evolving international trade environment. Participants engaged in discussions on sustainable development, green innovation, and identifying new opportunities for SMEs in both countries. The seminar received valuable support from several key organizations, including the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), JETRO Bangkok, the Department of Climate Change and Environment of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP), EXIM Thailand, and Kasikorn Bank.
Opening Ceremony
Welcoming Remarks by H.E. Suchat Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce
H.E. Mr. Suchat Chomklin emphasized the strong economic ties between Thailand and Japan. As of 2024, Japan is Thailand’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 52.02 billion. Japan is also the leading investor in Thailand, with nearly 6,000 Japanese companies operating there. In 2022, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. By 2025, they will mark 138 years of diplomatic ties. In response to global challenges such as geopolitical shifts and climate change, both nations are deepening cooperation through the Five-Year Joint Action Plan on Japan-Thailand Strategic Economic Partnership and, the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision and Future Design and Action Plan.
Remarks by H.E. Otaka Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand
Ambassador Otaka highlighted Japan’s key role in driving the green economy and cited examples such as Zeroboard, a cloud-based solution for visualizing CO2 emissions across supply chains, and Naturanix, which developed ultra-fast charging battery packs and stations that charge in just three minutes. Ambassador Otaka also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 through the GX Strategy and leadership in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Initiative.
Remarks by Mr. Chairat Liengkajornkiet, Director of Programme Operations, AJC
Mr. Chairat emphasized that this was the second collaboration between AJC and DTN to support Thai and Japanese MSMEs. He stressed that adapting to the green economy is essential for international trade success, as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable products. He encouraged SMEs to mitigate business risks and seize new opportunities arising from global sustainability trends.
Session 1: Japan’s GX Policy towards Carbon Neutrality and Decarbonization Strategies
- Speaker: Ms. Akiho Ishimaru, Principal Deputy Director of the Global Environmental Affairs Office, METI
Ms. Akiho Ishimaru presented Japan’s GX policy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. She highlighted technological innovations in energy, transportation, and industry, focusing on renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Ms. Ishimaru also discussed Japan’s international climate collaborations with ASEAN and the economic opportunities arising from decarbonization, such as new industries and jobs. She concluded by emphasizing the need for collective global action to reach carbon neutrality.
Session 2: Thai SMEs’ Pathway to Decarbonization: National Goals and Frameworks
- Speaker: Mr. Kittisak Prukkanone, Director at the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Mr. Kittisak outlined the Thai government’s commitment to addressing climate change and supporting SMEs in their transition to sustainable practices. He emphasized the importance of industry partnerships, technology adoption, and capacity-building initiatives in facilitating SMEs’ decarbonization efforts.
Session 3: SMEs in International Trade: Opportunities and Challenges
- Speaker: Mr. Chirath Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of Bureau of European Affairs, DTN
Mr. Chirath discussed opportunities for SMEs to engage in international trade through regional trade agreements and digital platforms that enable cross-border transactions. He addressed challenges SMEs face, such as limited access to trade financing, working capital, regulatory complexities, and lack of market intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of government support in overcoming these barriers through trade facilitation measures, and enhanced access to international trade networks.
Session 4: Strengthening Thai SMEs to Achieve Green Economy
- Speaker: Mr. Jiraphan Skuna, Chief of the SMEs Business Promotion Division, OSMEP
Mr. Jiraphan highlighted the role of green technologies, circular economy principles, and eco-friendly production in boosting the competitiveness of Thai SMEs. He discussed support mechanisms such as green financing, capacity-building programs, and partnerships with innovation hubs to aid SMEs in transitioning to green business models. He also emphasized the importance of sustainability certifications and eco-labeling to enhance SMEs’ credibility and marketability in the growing green economy.
Panel Discussion 1: Green Finance for Thai SMEs: Driving the Transition to a Greener Economy
Panelists:
- Dr. Pitchaya Sirivunnabood, Sustainable Finance Expert/ Consultant at ASEAN Green, Social, Sustainable, and other Labeled (GSS+) Bonds Initiative Asian Development Bank.
- Mrs. Janchai Pitakunnop, Director of Marketing Strategy Department, Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand).
- Mr. Pornthep Kittipatpaiboon, Entrepreneur Development and Support Expert, SME Development Bank (SME D Bank)
This panel explored the role of green finance in helping Thai SMEs transition to a sustainable economy, with insights from experts in sustainable finance, export credit, and SME development. The discussion underscored the critical role of green finance in empowering SMEs to embrace sustainability, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to Thailand’s climate and economic resilience.
Panel Discussion 2: Sharing Best Practices and Experiences from Japan and Thai Entrepreneurs
Panelists:
- Mr. Ekachai Ua-areemitr, Deputy Managing Director, Laemchabang Imex Co., Ltd.
- Mr. Jirarot Pojanavaraphan, Managing Director of SAENG CHAROEN GRAND Co., Lltd.
- Mr. Worayut Saibuatrong, Senior Researcher, PTT Public Co., Ltd.
- Mr. Shintaro Suzuki, Managing Director & Head of APAC Regional Business of Zeroboard (Thailand) Co, Ltd.
This session featured entrepreneurs from Japan and Thailand sharing real-best examples on integrating green economy principles into business operations. Panelists highlighted innovative strategies, sustainability initiatives, and operational efficiencies that have helped their companies transition toward greener practices.
Key takeaways:
- There was strong interest in the role of green finance in supporting SMEs, and the seminar highlighted various initiatives and financial tools that could be leveraged by Thai SMEs to transition toward greener practices.
- Japan’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 was underscored through its GX policy, focusing on technological innovations such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies. International collaboration with ASEAN, is also a crucial component in tackling climate change.
- Opportunities for SMEs in international trade were discussed, through regional trade agreements and digital platforms. However, barriers such as limited access to trade financing and regulatory complexities remain, stressing the importance of government support.
- Both panel sessions emphasized the role of green technologies and circular economy principles in enhancing competitiveness. Support mechanisms such as green financing, innovation hubs, and sustainability certifications were identified as critical factors for SMEs to thrive in the green economy.
Agenda
| Time | Agenda Details |
| 08.30 – 09.00 | Registration |
| 09.00 – 09.30 | Opening Ceremony ・Welcome Remarks by H.E. Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce ・Remarks by H.E. Mr. Otaka Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand ・Remarks by Mr. Chairat Liengkajornkiet, Director of Programme Operations, Programme Operations Department, ASEAN-Japan Centre |
| 09.30– 09.40 | Group photo session with distinguished guests |
| 09.40 – 10.00 | Refreshments |
| 10.00 – 10.30 | Session 1: Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) Policy towards Carbon Neutrality & Decarbonization Strategies ・Ms. Ishimaru Akiho, Principal Deputy Director of the Global Environmental Affairs Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry |
| 10.30 – 11.00 | Session 2: Thai SMEs` Pathway to Decarbonization: National Goals and Frameworks ・Mr.Kittisak Prukkanone, Director of the Division of Strategy and International Cooperation, Department of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment |
| 11.00– 11.30 | Session 3: SMEs in International Trade: Opportunities and Challenges ・Mr. Chirath Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of Bureau of European Affairs, Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce |
| 11.30 – 12.00 | Session 4: Strengthening Thai SMEs to achieve Green Economy ・Mr. Jiraphan Skuna, Chief of SMEs Business Promotion Division, Manufacturing Sector, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion |
| 12.00 – 13.30 | Lunch break |
| 13.30 – 14.30 | Panel Discussion 1 “Green Finance for Thai SMEs: Driving the Transition to a Greener Economy” ・Dr. Pitchaya Sirivunnabood, Sustainable Finance Expert, ASEAN Green, Social, Sustainable, and other Labeled (GSS+) Bonds Initiative Asian Development Bank ・Mrs. Janchai Pitakunnop, Director of Marketing Strategy Department, Export-Import Bank of Thailand ・Mr. Pornthep Kittipatpaiboon, Entrepreneur Development and Support Expert, SME Development Bank Moderator: Mr. Vorapong Changchit |
| 14.30 – 14.50 | Refreshments |
| 14.50 – 15.50 | Panel Discussion 2 “Sharing Best Practices and Experiences from Japan and Thai Entrepreneurs” ・Mr. Ekachai Ua-areemitr, Deputy Managing Director, Laemchabang Imex Co., L.TD. ・Mr. Jirarot Pojanavaraphan, Managing Director of SAENG CHAROEN GRAND Co., L.TD. ・Mr. Worayut Saibuatrong, Senior Researcher, PTT Public Co., Ltd. ・Mr. Shintaro Suzuki, Managing Director & Head of APAC Regional Business of Zeroboard (Thailand) Co, Ltd. Moderator: Mr. Vorapong Changchit |
| 15.50 – 16.00 | Q&A |
For more information, contact: info_bp@asean.or.jp
