DG of International Economic Affairs Department,  as Thailand’s APEC Senior Official, attended the Second APEC Virtual Extraordinary Senior Officials’ Meeting (VESOM), hosted by Malaysia. The Meeting discussed the facilitation on flows of essential goods and movement of healthcare workers and business people in the region, the establishment of an APEC Sub-Fund for economic recovery, and the creation of an APEC online-platform for member economies' exchange of best practices and coordinated information sharing on COVID-19.

 

On 24 July 2020, Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the 2nd VESOM to follow up on APEC work plan on post-COVID-19, previously discussed during the APEC virtual ESOM on COVID-19 in May 2020. The work plan is the implementation of the Statement on COVID-19 by APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade announced in April 2020. Thailand expressed support for all initiatives, and reiterated the importance of resilience and adaptability amidst unforeseen global disruptions. Thailand also emphasised the importance of MSMEs empowerment, infrastructure and digital connectivity development, and promoting the responsible business conduct (RBC) among business operators. 

 

The meeting report will be presented at the Virtual Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on COVID-19 on 25 July 2020.