JFCCT Real‑Economy Dialogue: Thailand’s Competitiveness, Growth & Reform
JFCCT Real‑Economy Dialogue: Thailand’s Competitiveness, Growth & Reform
The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), celebrating its 50th anniversary, hosted the “Real-Economy Dialogue on Competitiveness, Growth, Resilience & Reform” on 14 October 2026 at Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok, as an official Affiliated Programme of the World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026. The half-day dialogue brought together government, international organisations, business, investment and chambers of commerce to examine Thailand’s future economic development, from structural reforms and the OECD accession process to digitalisation, AI and green competitiveness.
The half-day dialogue brought together government, international organisations, businesses, investors, and chambers of commerce to discuss Thailand’s economic development, competitiveness, and investment opportunities.
Her Excellency Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister of Commerce, opened with a keynote on Thailand’s transformation agenda, highlighting structural reforms, productivity, skills development, technology adoption, energy transition, and maximising Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilisation for SMEs and investors.
Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, President of Toshiba Thailand and Chair of Kasikorn Bank, shared lessons from Japanese long-term investment, emphasising localisation, supplier development, capability transfer, and workforce development. Dr. Csilla Lakatos, Senior Economist at the World Bank, presented insights into Thailand’s economic challenges and opportunities, drawing on the Building Thailand’s Future Today report.
A JFCCT Working Team Panel, moderated by Ms. Delphine Schantz, Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, examined good governance, anti-corruption, the rule of law, and Thailand’s OECD accession process as drivers of investor confidence and quality investment.
Participants then joined two interactive Discussion Circles exploring Thailand’s future competitiveness.
Circle 1: Digitalisation, Innovation, AI and the Thai Digital Economy
The discussion explored digital transformation, AI adoption, skills development, digital government, innovation financing, and data centre policies. Participants also examined barriers to investment and the measures needed to strengthen Thailand’s digital competitiveness.
Circle 2: Sustainability, Resilience and Green Competitiveness
This discussion examined how sustainability can drive competitiveness, innovation, and long-term growth, focusing on clean energy, circular economy approaches, climate resilience, and sustainable investment.
Mrs. Kristine Anvik Leach, President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Jotun Thailand, was one of the speakers. She highlighted renewable energy, value chain development, and SME support, emphasising the importance of considering the long-term lifecycle value of assets rather than focusing solely on upfront costs. Drawing on Jotun’s experience, she demonstrated how sustainable practices can create lasting business value and resilience.
The dialogue concluded with a closing perspective by Prof. Dr. Pavida Pananond of Thammasat Business School, who reflected on Thailand’s position in ASEAN and the global economy and the implications for future competitiveness, investment, and economic development.
Both Discussion Circles encouraged open exchange among business leaders, international experts and other participants, providing opportunities to share experiences, identify challenges and explore potential areas for action and collaboration.
The dialogue reaffirmed JFCCT’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness, promoting responsible business, and supporting the country’s transformation agenda under the theme Thailand’s New Horizons – Empowering People, Building Resilience.
TNCC sincerely thanks JFCCT Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg and the JFCCT team for creating a valuable platform for collaboration between the international business community and Thai policymakers.
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