Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris
On 3 June 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, delivered a statement during the Plenary Session on “Balancing the Goals and Impacts of Industrial Policy” at the 2026 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) at the OECD Headquarters in Paris. He emphasized that while industrial policy remains important for economic development, it must evolve from supporting individual sectors to enabling economy-wide transitions that enhance competitiveness, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable growth.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that such a transition requires investment in people through skills development and lifelong learning, alongside support for innovation, digital transformation, and green technologies. He also highlighted the importance of deeper regional economic integration, as supply chains, technology, energy, and investment are becoming increasingly interconnected across borders.
The Deputy Prime Minister further underscored that Thailand’s OECD accession process is an integral part of the country’s broader economic transformation. While accession would help Thailand align with international best practices and strengthen its institutions, Thailand also stands ready to contribute its own experiences to OECD discussions and serve as a bridge between the OECD and emerging economies.
The 2026 OECD MCM was aimed to discuss how industrial policies can support economic growth while preserving open, fair, and sustainable trade and investment systems amid global challenges and economic uncertainties.
Thailand’s participation in this year’s MCM provides an important opportunity to engage in discussions and exchanges on key global issues, strengthen interactions with the OECD, its member countries, and relevant partners, as well as support the advancement of Thailand’s OECD accession process with the objective of achieving membership by 2028.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
