During 13-18 June 2015 H.E. Mr.SurapolManeepong, Ambassador Attached to the Ministry, led a delegation comprising experts and researchers from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to join the privatesector on a visit to Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated the trip, aiming to integrate more science, technology, and innovation (STI) with business opportunity exploration abroad to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness. The private sector was led by Mr. SupantMongkolsuthree, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. Mr. NaritTherdsteerasukdi, Executive Director of Investment Strategy and Policy Bureau under the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) and Mr.NiwatHansaward, Director of the Thai Trade Center in Istanbul, also joined the trip. 

 

            The delegation of 32 persons was among the largest and most diverse Thai delegations ever visiting Israel.The delegation visited and exchanged ideas with leading economic and STI agencies including Israel Exportand International Cooperation Institute, a non-governmental organization under the IsraeliGovernment to promote trade and investment,Weizmann Institute of Science, a world class research university specializing computer science and chemistry, and Terralab Ventures, Israel’s leading technological incubator. 

 

            The visit not only encouragedcloser cooperation and networking between the two countries but also provided the opportunity for Thailand to learn firsthand of Israeli experiences and excellences in their competitiveness enhancement through technological and innovation commercialization.

 

             Additionally, the integration of academia with public and private sectors createdrare opportunities of idea generation for businesses,  networks and linkages among them. Thisencouraging momentum aligned with the Ministry’s economic diplomacy mission that aims to support our research and development sector to reach its full potential and complete the cycle of commercialization, using STI to increaseThailand’s competitiveness andeconomic performance.

 

             Israel is one of Thailand’s important partners in the Middle East that Thailand should continue to enhance cooperation onscience, technology, and innovation, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, agricultural and water management.