On 4 October 2018, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Li Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on the occasion of Mr. Li Yong’s official visit to Thailand on 2 – 4 October 2018 to participate in the 5th Green Industry Conference and the celebration of 50th anniversary of Thailand’s membership in UNIDO.

 

Both sides exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation once Thailand assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019 and on the feasibility of establishing UNIDO's Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Thailand. They also discussed trilateral cooperation on development with countries in the African region and the Pacific Islands.

 

Established in 1966, as a specialised agency of the United Nations, UNIDO’s mission is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in member states. Thailand became a member in 1968, celebrating the 50th Anniversary to its membership this year, and has been the host country of UNIDO's Asia Pacific Regional Office since 2000. 

 

The 5th Green Industry Conference took place during 3 – 5 October 2018 in Bangkok, and was jointly organised by UNIDO, UNESCAP and the Ministry of Industry of Thailand.  The Conference focused on the theme "Green Industry for Sustainable Development," during which participants from governments, industry and stakeholder groups shared solutions in advancing sustainable development through the greening of industries, as indicated by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 of the 2030 Agenda.