กนอ. จับมือ ส.อ.ท. จัดสัมมนาวิชาการ "Eco Innovation Forum 2024" ชู "Now Thailand" ดันเศรษฐกิจโตอย่างยั่งยืน ควบคู่รักษาสิ่งแวดล้อมIAI and FTI Organize Academic Seminar "Eco Innovation Forum 2024" Highlighting "Now Thailand" to Drive Sustainable Economic Growth Alongside Environmental Conservation

On Monday, September 23, 2024, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) collaborated with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to organize the academic seminar "Eco Innovation Forum 2024" under the theme "Now Thailand: Sustainable Futures Invest in Thailand for a Sustainable Future," highlighting the importance of developing the Thai economy to grow sustainably while preserving the environment at the Grand Hall, BITEC Bangna.

Mr. Eknath Prompan, Minister of Industry, opened the annual seminar "Eco Innovation Forum 2024" and delivered a keynote speech under the theme "Now Thailand: Sustainable Futures Invest in Thailand for a Sustainable Future," emphasizing the importance of developing the Thai economy to grow sustainably alongside environmental conservation.

Mr. Eknath stated that although the Thai economy grew by 2.3 percent in the second quarter of 2024, to maintain long-term growth, it is necessary to stimulate private sector investment, build confidence among foreign investors, enhance innovation and technology, and develop an ecosystem conducive to investment. The direction of Thailand's industrial development must focus on sustainability, be environmentally friendly, and be ready to face various challenges arising from geopolitical situations and trade barriers. The government is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of operators while adapting to technological changes and production structure shifts by collaborating with all sectors to create opportunities for national development. Thailand must begin today (Now Thailand). Additionally, Thailand is not only an investment destination but also a "highway" that accelerates investment and infrastructure development to support sustainable and environmentally friendly new industries.

The Ministry of Industry has three main policies: management of hazardous industrial waste, enhancing the competitiveness of Thai industries, and creating new economic industries, with strategies for restructuring the industrial economy, developing energy infrastructure, promoting a green economy, and achieving carbon neutrality goals. The ministry is committed to supporting operators in achieving the goals of sustainable, environmentally friendly industries that grow alongside communities, following the MIND 4-dimensional approach: business success, overall social well-being, alignment with international standards, and income distribution to communities.

For the important mission in the 2025 fiscal year, the ministry will focus on promoting Soft Power, driving future industries, enhancing the industrial economy, promoting green industries, advancing the halal industry, reducing air pollution, managing industrial waste, developing infrastructure, and elevating the service level of the ministry.

The Minister of Industry also thanked IEAT and FTI for collaborating in organizing the event and congratulated the industrial estates and operators who received various certifications, hoping that this seminar will provide an excellent opportunity for everyone to prepare for various challenges and enhance competitiveness on a global level, so that "Now Thailand: Sustainable Futures" becomes the starting point for investment leading to genuine sustainability.

Mr. Sumet Tangprasert, Board Member of IEAT, acting Governor of IEAT, stated that IEAT, in collaboration with FTI, organized the academic seminar Eco Innovation Forum 2024 for the eighth consecutive year. The main purpose is to disseminate achievements in eco-industrial cities, recognize the contributions of related organizations, support the development of Thai industries with technology and innovation, add sustainable economic value, and aim for Carbon Neutrality by 2050 through the 3R approach: 1. "Reduce" carbon dioxide emissions causing climate change, 2. "Recycle" natural or clean energy such as solar energy, wind energy, or hydropower, and 3. "Compensate" for carbon used through activities such as reforestation, investment in renewable energy, or purchasing carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. All of this aligns with the policy for industrial reform towards a new economy that is environmentally friendly, adhering to the principles of cleanliness, convenience, transparency, guiding the Thai industrial sector to international standards and attracting foreign investments.

Mr. Kriangkrai Theanukool, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, stated that the Thai economy and the global economy are facing challenges due to technological changes, trade wars, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, resulting in Thailand's GDP growing on average lower than neighboring countries over the past decade. To respond to these challenges, the industrial sector must continuously adapt, seeking new business opportunities. Sustainable development is therefore essential, with Thailand aiming to reduce carbon and move towards a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, which is an environmental necessity and an opportunity to create a new economy.

FTI is advocating for the Thai industrial sector through the ONE FTI policy, enhancing existing industries and creating new industries such as electric vehicles, smart electronics, biotechnology, and robotics to drive the economy and sustainable development towards eco-industrial factories, green industries, and Net Zero.

Additionally, FTI promotes SMEs to become Smart SMEs with the 4GO concept: GO Digital & AI, GO Innovation, GO Global, and GO Green to enhance competitiveness and develop Thailand steadily and sustainably.

NOW Thailand is no longer just a plan or concept but a collaboration among the government, private sector, civil society, and financial institutions to accelerate investment and elevate industries to the Next-Gen Industry focusing on sustainability and environmental friendliness, with a shared goal under the ONE FTI concept (One Vision, One Team, One Goal). FTI and IEAT are ready to partner with investors both domestically and internationally who share the same vision to create a sustainable future and move towards a low-carbon society.

For the annual seminar in 2024 "Eco Innovation Forum 2024," IEAT, in collaboration with FTI, held it under the theme "NOW THAILAND: Sustainable Futures," focusing on the sustainable development of Thai industries to an international level. In addition to the keynote speech by the Minister of Industry, there was also a ceremony to award plaques of honor and certificates to industrial estates and factories that have succeeded in developing into eco-industrial cities. This includes nine industrial estates upgraded to Eco-World Class, 25 at Eco-Excellence, 40 at Eco-Champion, 79 Eco Factories, and five outstanding greenhouse gas reduction network factories.

Furthermore, the seminar was divided into four rooms, comprising 1. Eco Industry to Sustainable & ESG, 2. Eco Journey to Carbon Neutrality, 3. Water and Environmental Management in Industry according to Circular Economy principles, and 4. Technology and Big Data Applications for Future Industries. This year, the event attracted interest from government agencies, industry sectors, academics, civil society, and media representatives, with over 500 registrants participating.