People’s party PM candidates meet Keidanren to present economic vision for stable growth – Nation Thailand

Report on Thai-Japanese Economic Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals

Strategic Economic Framework and Alignment with SDGs

A meeting was held between representatives of Thailand’s People’s Party and the Japanese business community to discuss future economic cooperation. The discussion centered on leveraging existing frameworks to foster sustainable growth and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Existing Partnerships: Emphasis was placed on maximizing the potential of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• “Look North” Policy: The party introduced its “Look North” economic strategy, designed to attract investment and innovation from East Asian partners, including Japan. This policy directly supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by seeking partnerships for technological and industrial advancement.

Proposed ‘Orange Megaprojects’ and Sustainable Infrastructure

The People’s Party outlined its “Orange Megaprojects,” a series of major infrastructure investments aimed at stimulating the economy while directly contributing to key SDGs. These projects present opportunities for Japanese investment in building new, sustainable supply chains in Thailand.

1. Nationwide Smart Grid Systems: This initiative targets SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by modernizing the energy grid for efficiency and renewable energy integration, and SDG 9 by building resilient infrastructure.
2. Waste Management Infrastructure: This project directly addresses SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by improving municipal waste handling and promoting a circular economy.
3. Mass-Transit Expansion: Focused on improving quality of life, this expansion supports SDG 11.2 by aiming to provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all citizens.

Governance, Transparency, and Institutional Integrity (SDG 16)

The party reaffirmed its commitment to a governing principle of “Lean and Clean Thailand.” This approach is fundamental to achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

• Party representatives assured Japanese investors that a future government would foster an economic ecosystem that is transparent, open, and fair.
• This commitment aligns with SDG 16.5 (reduce corruption) and SDG 16.6 (develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions), creating a stable environment for investment.

Concerns and Assurances for Future Collaboration

While Japanese representatives praised the strategic framework, they expressed concerns regarding Thailand’s political stability and foreign policy consistency. In response, the People’s Party provided assurances aimed at strengthening international partnerships in line with SDG 17.

• The party vowed to govern with transparency, integrity, and fairness for all businesses, regardless of nationality.
• A commitment was made to recalibrate Thailand’s foreign relations to achieve greater balance and strategic steadiness, providing a predictable environment for long-term sustainable development partnerships.
• Both parties agreed to explore future sector-specific consultations to reinforce their long-standing relationship.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights several issues and policy proposals by Thailand’s People’s Party that connect to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary SDGs addressed are:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The plan to invest in “nationwide smart grid systems” directly relates to modernizing energy infrastructure for efficiency and sustainability.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The entire economic strategy, including the “Look North” policy, leveraging the RCEP and EPA, and attracting investment, is aimed at stimulating the broader economy and creating business opportunities.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The “Orange Megaprojects” are a core component of this goal, focusing on major infrastructure investments like smart grids, waste management, and mass transit to support economic development and innovation.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The focus on “waste management infrastructure” and “mass-transit expansion” are key elements for creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments that improve the quality of life.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The party’s commitment to governing under the principle of “Lean and Clean Thailand” and creating an economic ecosystem that is “transparent, open and fair” directly addresses the need for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The meeting between the People’s Party and Japan’s business community, the encouragement to use existing frameworks like the EPA and RCEP, and the agreement to explore future consultations all exemplify the strengthening of global and multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the policies and plans discussed, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.b: Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services. This is directly addressed by the plan for “nationwide smart grid systems.”
2. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The “Look North” policy aims to attract “innovation partnerships” from East Asian economies.
3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being. The “Orange Megaprojects,” including mass-transit and smart grids, are a clear example of this.
4. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The planned “mass-transit expansion” directly contributes to this target.
5. Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. The proposed “waste management infrastructure” is a direct action towards this target.
6. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The party’s commitment to a “transparent, open and fair” government and a “Lean and Clean Thailand” aligns with this target.
7. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The discussion of Japanese companies building supply chains in Thailand through the proposed megaprojects points towards fostering public-private partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators with specific data points. However, it implies several qualitative and quantitative measures that could be used to track progress:

• Investment in Infrastructure: The implementation and scale of the “Orange Megaprojects” serve as a primary indicator. Progress can be measured by the amount of investment mobilized and the completion of projects like the nationwide smart grid, waste management facilities, and expanded mass-transit lines.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The success of the “Look North” policy can be measured by the volume of investment and the number of innovation partnerships secured from East Asian economies, particularly Japan.
• Strength of Partnerships: The number and scope of “sector-specific consultations” held with Japan’s business community and the utilization of cooperation frameworks like the EPA and RCEP can serve as indicators of partnership strength.
• Investor Confidence and Governance Perception: While not a direct metric, the confidence level of foreign investors, such as the Japanese representatives mentioned, in the government’s transparency and fairness can be an implied indicator of progress towards building strong and accountable institutions (SDG 16).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nationthailand.com