TNCC Successfully hosted Roundtable on Brand Norway in Thailand
TNCC Successfully hosted Roundtable on Brand Norway in Thailand
On 27 February 2025, the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce has successfully held the “Brand Norway in Thailand – Norwegian Sustainability Business Ethics” roundtable at the Amari Hotel Bangkok, brought together over 90 participants from Thai and international businesses, academia, trade associations and government organisations to explore the intersection of sustainability and business ethics. The event aimed to highlight the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today’s global business environment.
The event began with welcome remarks by H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, the Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia, underlined the importance of sustainable economic development and good corporate governance to support the economic competitiveness as well as social and environmental progress. Norway has introduced regulations that obligates Norwegian enterprises to align with OECD’s guidelines and to carry out due diligence throughout the value chain, in or outside Norway. Norway is ready to support Thailand on its road to membership of the OECD. Mrs. Helle also highlighted the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a significant step towards strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. The agreement contains specific commitments related to the environment, climate, labor rights and equality.
Marking 120 years of Thailand-Norway diplomatic relations, she reaffirmed the enduring partnership built on shared commitment to sustainability – paving the way for future growth and cooperation.
Followed the welcome remarks, Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to Minister of Industry, delivered the keynote address on “Thailand’s commitment to promoting ESG values through business and share prospects on how we can build a sustainable future together,” highlighting the role of public-private collaboration in sustainability. He emphasised circular economy initiatives and industrial waste management policies to ensure responsible production and environmental protection. He urged companies to work closely with the government and local communities to drive sustainable growth. Recognising Norwegian companies like Telenor and Jotun, he noted Norway’s expertise in green finance and the circular economy as a model for Thailand. He stressed that ESG drives competitiveness, positioning Thailand as a regional hub for ESG investment and sustainable industry growth.
The roundtable featured two key panel discussions:
1. Bridging Values: Norway-Thailand Partnerships for Ethical Growth
The first panel focused on the shared values between Norway and Thailand in advancing ethical business practices. They have discussed how integrating sustainability into corporate strategy can drive long-term success. The session was moderated by Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling, the Sustainable Development Committee Chair at the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFCCT), and the speakers included:
- Mr. Johan Martin Seland, Director and Head of Sustainability for Telenor Asia
- Ms. Ava Hider, Eco Sales and Marketing Coordinator of Starboard
- Ms. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President, Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications of Bangchak Corporation PCL
2. From Vision to Practice: The Sustainability Roadmap
The second panel provided real-world examples from the representatives of Jotun Thailand and Yara Thailand. As they shared their strategies for implementing ESG initiatives, Mrs. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Chairwoman of Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFCCT), moderated the session, highlighting how businesses can turn sustainability visions into practical, everyday actions. The speakers included:
- Mrs. Kristine Anvik Leach, Managing Director of Jotun Thailand Limited
- Mr. Vishal More, Operations Manager of Jotun Thailand Limited
- Ms. Hsiao Mae Wu, Marketing Manager of Jotun Thailand Limited
- Mr. Beda Merkelbach, Senior Vice President – Asia Pacific for Yara International
- Mr. Pongsin Thepruangchai , Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager of Thailand & Myanmar for Yara (Thailand) Limited
Another key feature of this roundtable was the interactive workshop, “Building Sustainable Futures Through Collaboration,” led by Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling. 2030 SDGs Game session encouraged participants to collaborate and brainstorm solutions to advance sustainability in diverse industries.
Finally, the event was concluded by closing remarks of Mr. Axel Blom, President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce. He reaffirmed the importance of responsible business practices in promoting both social and environmental well-being, stressing that the day’s discussions had reinforced the strong partnership between Norway and Thailand in working towards a sustainable future. Mr. Blom also emphasised the opportunities to enhance sustainability by the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Looking ahead, he encouraged businesses to continue integrating ESG values into their strategies, ensuring long-term growth and impact toward a sustainable world.
More importantly, this event would not have been this successful without the contributions of our supporters. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok, our Platinum Sponsors which include Jotun Thailand Ltd. and Bangchak Corporation PCL, our Gold Sponsors which include Felicia Design, Krabi Spesialisten, Lerøy Seafood, Mahanakorn Partners Group, Samitivej Hospital, Telenor Asia, and Thammachart Seafood for their generous support to this roundtable.
The event marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between Norwegian and Thai businesses, with a shared commitment to advancing sustainability and business ethics in the region.
To explore photos of the event, please click here.
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