Mekong Institute (MI), represented by its Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation Department, Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, participated in the seminar titled “ESG Practices for SMEs: Strategies for Thriving in the Global Green Market,” held on September 3, 2024, in Bangkok. The event brought together over 400 delegates from the business sector, government agencies, financial institutions, international organizations, and the academe to explore actionable strategies that enable SMEs to excel in the competitive market while adhering to ESG standards.
The seminar offered a series of insightful case studies and panel discussions aimed at providing participants with practical knowledge on ESG principles. Mr. Dutta contributed to a panel discussion on “Driving Growth: Strategies for Environmental Practices in SMEs,” where he highlighted MI’s newly launched project, the “Mekong Sustainable Supply Chains Transformation and Advancement.” Funded by the Association of Overseas Technical Services (AOTS) of Japan, the regional project aims to support 150 SME suppliers in establishing sustainable supply chains that comply with global ESG standards. The initiative will also provide access to technology solutions, finance, and markets while minimizing environmental footprints. The two-year pilot project will drive country-specific and regional efforts to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for the implementation of ESG practices in key sectors namely agriculture, auto manufacturing, and the textile industry.
The seminar was organized by the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), The Asia Foundation, and the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT). It was part of the SMEs Go Global – Go Green Project, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).