Bangkok, October 9, 2023 – The Mekong-Japan Business Seminar, jointly organized by the AMEICC Secretariat, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), successfully took place on October 5, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand. The event convened over 200 distinguished Japanese and Thai business leaders and financial institutions, development organizations, media representatives, and relevant government agencies from the Mekong countries.

The central theme of the Mekong-Japan Business Seminar revolved around advancing the Mekong Industrial Development Vision 2.0 (MIDV 2.0). The three pillars of the MIDV 2.0 were highlighted including connectivity, digital innovations, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on green initiatives.

Efforts to enhance both cyber and physical connectivity in the Mekong region were discussed in detail. Initiatives by startups utilizing digital technologies to address societal challenges in the Mekong region were also tackled. Moreover, the potential for sustainable supply chain initiatives, as proposed by the Mekong Institute (MI) in the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision Development Research Project, was explored.

Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation Department at MI, led a technical session dedicated to SDGs and green initiatives. In his keynote address, Mr. Dutta introduced the concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) adoption in the manufacturing sector of the Mekong countries. He also facilitated a discussion focused on companies’ expectations regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory.

Industry experts shared insights on platforms enabling SMEs to assess GHG emissions across their supply chains, identify areas for reduction, and enhance ESG performance reporting. Furthermore, the discussion explored strategies for providing supply chain support to promote ESG adoption. Brief survey results regarding SMEs’ sustainability expectations and challenges were also presented.

The discussion panel featured various organizations including the Technology Manufacturers Association (Thai-Japan), Zeroboard, Nagase Viet Nam, and Viet Nam Energy Technology JSC, who contributed valuable perspectives to the dialogue.

The seminar reinforced the commitment of all participants to create a more resilient and prosperous future in line with the vision of the Mekong-Japan cooperation.