On July 14, 2023, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don Pramudwinai, and his Norwegian counterpart, Anniken Huitfeldt, met to discuss trade and investment cooperation, focusing on clean energy and telecommunications to strengthen bilateral ties and explore potential collaborations.
The discussion aligned with global efforts to promote sustainable energy and digital connectivity, exemplified by recent trade and investment agreements following the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
The emphasis on clean energy was not unexpected, considering the urgent need for clean energy investments in developing countries, as highlighted by the World Investment Report 2023. The report estimated an annual requirement of approximately $1.7 trillion and called for a comprehensive plan outlining priority actions, including financing mechanisms and investment policies, to attract investments for sustainable energy systems. Thailand and Norway recognized this need and sought to leverage their partnership to address this challenge.
Additionally, telecommunications emerged as another important area for collaboration between Thailand and Norway. The meeting drew inspiration from initiatives like the U.S.-Africa Clean-Tech Energy Network (CTEN), which witnessed the participation of 24 U.S. clean-tech companies. Such collaborations have strengthened the cleantech ecosystem and improved energy access through power generation, consequently stimulating clean energy exports from the United States.
Furthermore, the ministers addressed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war, marking the end of its decade-long democratic transition. The military junta has faced armed resistance, leading to an intensification and spread of the conflict. The ministers recognized the significance of addressing regional challenges like the Myanmar crisis and acknowledged its importance in their discussions.
The meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Thailand and Norway underscored the importance of collaboration in trade and investment, specifically in the areas of clean energy and telecommunications. Additionally, addressing regional challenges like the Myanmar crisis added significant importance to their discussions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their deliberations.
DPM/FM Don🇹🇭 met w/ H.E. Mrs. Anniken Huitfelt, Norway’s FM🇳🇴 @AHuitfeldt. Both sides discussed coop. in trade and investment in key potential areas i.e. clean energy and telecommunication. They also exchanged views on Myanmar. (14 July 2023) pic.twitter.com/jBlxB77RNt
— กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ | MFA of Thailand (@MFAThai) July 14, 2023
