IEAT Explores Japan’s Circular Economy Innovations for Green Industrial Growth
泰國工業區管理局（IEAT）考察日本循環經濟：共謀綠色產業成長先機
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is partnering with leading Japanese companies to advance Thailand’s transition to a low-emission, circular economy. Acting IEAT governor Sumet Tangprasert led a delegation on a fact-finding tour from November 5-8, visiting companies like IHI Corporation, JFE Urban Recycle Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Tokyo Super Eco Town. The team studied cutting-edge technologies, including renewable energy systems powered by eco-friendly ammonia, integrated e-waste recycling, and digital solutions to cut greenhouse gas emissions. They also explored Japan’s innovative soil recycling practices, which transform construction waste into resources for reforestation and solar farms.
Sumet highlighted the tour’s role in shaping eco-friendly industrial estates in Thailand. Technologies like IHI and NEC’s clean energy systems will aid Thai industries in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, while soil recycling supports the broader circular economy transition. The delegation also noted the importance of the “polluter pays” principle in sustainable waste management, aiming to integrate these insights into Thailand’s green development strategies.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40043384
小編點評：泰國工業區管理局（Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand，IEAT）正與日本企業合作，推動泰國邁向低排放、循環型經濟的轉型。此次考察團在實地調研行程中，深入了解多項前瞻技術，包括環保型氨能系統、電子廢棄物回收，以及土壤循環再利用技術，藉此支援泰國綠色工業發展，並朝 2050 年達成碳中和目標邁進。
Thailand Seeks to Solidify Role as Regional Manufacturing Hub
泰國力求鞏固區域製造中心地位
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has emphasized Thailand’s growing appeal to US investors, positioning the country as a prime destination for trade and investment. During a meeting with a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), which included representatives from corporations such as Amazon, Boeing, and Google, Pichai highlighted Thailand’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment. Discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, addressing trade barriers, and fostering collaborations in high-potential sectors like electronics and automotive manufacturing.
Pichai underscored Thailand’s robust economic performance and commitment to resolving trade-related issues, such as intellectual property and tariff preferences. He also outlined plans to deepen ties with Japan and pursue free trade agreements with the European Union and Canada. The USABC delegation’s visit signals growing confidence in Thailand’s capacity to leverage shifting global manufacturing trends, with Pichai expressing optimism about the nation’s future as a regional economic powerhouse.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40043629
小編點評：泰國商務部長 Pichai Naripthaphan 在與「美商東協商務協會（US-ABC）」會面時，特別向美國投資者強調了泰國的吸引力，包括優越的戰略位置、高素質勞動力以及友善的營商環境。雙方討論焦點集中在強化經濟聯繫、消除貿易壁壘，以及促進電子產品與汽車製造等領域的合作。此外，Pichai 部長也概述了進一步深耕與日本關係的計劃，並積極尋求與歐盟及加拿大達成自由貿易協定（FTA），以鞏固泰國作為區域經濟強權的成長地位。
Thailand to Be Removed from US Intellectual Property Watch List, Eyes Stronger Economic Ties
泰國將從美國智財權觀察名單除名，台美泰經濟聯繫可望進一步強化
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that Thailand will soon be removed from the US intellectual property watch list after discussions with US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai during the APEC meeting in Lima, Peru. Thailand has remained on the watch list under the Special 301 Report for eight years, which identifies trade barriers related to intellectual property protection. Pichai credited Thailand’s efforts to appeal for removal amid the US government transition, adding that the country is also seeking the renewal of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) privileges, which expired in 2020, to boost its export competitiveness.
Pichai revealed that US companies, including Hewlett-Packard, plan to increase investments in Thailand, with the tech giant relocating its computer production base next year. He highlighted Google and Amazon’s investments in data centers and cloud services as indicators of Thailand’s readiness to become a regional digital hub. In 2023, the US was Thailand’s second-largest trade partner, with bilateral trade valued at $67.65 billion. Pichai plans to visit the US in February 2024 to attract more investment and address potential trade war risks, positioning Thailand as a key economic partner in advanced industries like artificial intelligence, electronics, and semiconductors.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40043316
小編點評：泰國商務部長Pichai Naripthaphan 宣布，在與美國貿易代表（USTR）戴琪（Katherine Tai）進行成功會談後，泰國將從美國的智慧財產權（IP）觀察名單中除名，這標誌著泰美貿易關係的顯著改善。此外，泰國正積極爭取恢復**普遍優惠關稅制度（GSP）待遇，以吸引更多投資。目前，惠普（HP）、Google 及亞馬遜（Amazon）等美國科技巨頭均已擴大在泰國的營運規模。
Thailand Targets Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Ahead of 2065, Boosted by Green Climate Fund
泰國目標提前達成 2065 淨零排放，加速爭取全球綠色氣候基金支持
Thailand is accelerating efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions before its initial 2065 target, with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by 2030. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, director-general of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, reported that the country emitted 65 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2022, aligning with its reduction goals. Key industries are being closely monitored, and the Thai government is leveraging $7 million annually from the Green Climate Fund for climate mitigation projects and preparations for the Climate Change Act.
Phirun emphasized careful management of a $4 million adaptation budget next year, including $700,000 allocated for flood and drought response. He noted a shift in financial support for developing countries to a four-year cycle starting in 2024, with global fundraising efforts aiming for $100 billion to $2 trillion between 2025 and 2030. Thailand’s clear goals for reducing emissions and achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions position it to attract continued international financial backing for its climate initiatives.
https://www.nationthailand.com/sustaination/40043487
小編點評：泰國正積極推動將「淨零排放」目標由原定的2065 年提前達成，並計畫在2030 年前將溫室氣體排放量減少30% 至40%。目前泰國每年運用來自綠色氣候基金（Green Climate Fund）的700 萬美元資金，支撐各項減緩氣候變遷的計畫，並為即將出台的《氣候變遷法》（Climate Change Act）做準備。此外，泰國2024 年將管理高達400 萬美元的調適預算，用於應對水患與旱災，同時積極將自身定位為吸引全球氣候金融投資的首選市場，以加速重點產業的綠色轉型。
Thailand’s First Sustainability-Linked Bonds Attract Overwhelming Investor Demand
泰國首批「永續發展連結債券」（SLBs）引爆投資熱潮：認購超額近三倍
Thailand’s inaugural issuance of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) has seen overwhelming demand, with investor interest nearly three times the initial offering. The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) received 55.3 billion baht in purchase proposals for the bonds, leading to an increase in the issue size to 30 billion baht at an interest rate of 2.70%. The SLBs, designed to promote sustainable development, were issued with predefined performance targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and registering at least 440,000 new zero-emission vehicles by the same year. Investors included life insurance companies, asset managers, and foreign investors.
Thailand becomes the first Asian government and the third globally to issue SLBs, following Chile and Uruguay. The bonds are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and were certified by DNV (Thailand). The PDMO plans to continue its sustainable finance initiatives with future issuances, including a 15-year SLB benchmark to improve market liquidity and a sustainability loan to fund clean energy projects. The move signals Thailand’s commitment to combating climate change and advancing long-term sustainability.
小編點評：泰國首批永續發展連結債券（SLBs）獲得投資者熱烈響應，認購金額幾乎達初始發行規模的三倍，最終發行總額增加至300 億泰銖，利率為2.70%；此債券旨在推動永續發展，並設定了具體的績效目標，包括在2030 年前減少30% 的溫室氣體排放量，以及達成44 萬輛零排放車輛註冊，這也使泰國成為亞洲首個發行永續發展連結債券的政府。
IMF Projects Thai Economic Growth at 2.7% in 2024 Amid Fiscal Stimulus and Investment Boost
在財政刺激措施與投資增長的推動下，IMF 預計 2024 年泰國經濟增長率將達到 2.7%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted Thailand’s economic growth at 2.7% this year and 2.9% in 2024, driven by planned fiscal stimulus measures and an uptick in public investment. The IMF highlighted robust private consumption, supported by government incentives, and a projected rise in private investment as key contributors to the growth outlook. Following its staff mission to Thailand, the IMF commended the Bank of Thailand’s October decision to lower the policy interest rate by 25 basis points, suggesting further rate cuts could bolster the recovery.
While Thailand’s economy grew by 3.0% in the third quarter—the fastest in two years—the IMF underscored the importance of flexible monetary policy amid lingering uncertainties. It advised authorities to remain adaptive, with monetary decisions guided by data and economic trends, and stressed the role of the exchange rate in absorbing shocks. The Bank of Thailand, which termed its recent rate cut as a “policy recalibration,” will review its monetary stance on December 18. The National Economic and Social Development Council predicts 2.6% growth this year, improving from last year’s 1.9% rate.
小編點評：在財政刺激措施、公共投資及強勁私人消費的帶動下，IMF 預測 2024 年泰國經濟成長率將達到 2.9%；儘管泰國經濟在 2023 年第三季成長了 3.0%，但 IMF 強調仍需採取靈活的貨幣政策並進一步降息以支持復甦；泰國中央銀行預計於 12 月審視其貨幣立場，而泰國國家經濟和社會發展委員會則預測 2023 年的成長率為 2.6%。
Thailand Aims to Become Regional Hub for AI Training and Governance
泰國目標成為人工智慧（AI）培訓與治理的區域中心
Thailand plans to establish itself as a regional artificial intelligence (AI) training center, collaborating with UNESCO to help developing countries adopt AI ethics frameworks. The government is working toward cabinet approval of an AI governance framework for public agencies, aiming to leverage AI to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, and finance, according to the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA). Sak Segkhoonthod, senior advisor of the AI Governance Clinic, highlighted the transformative potential of AI, calling it the “second era of digital transformation,” while stressing the importance of responsible governance to mitigate risks.
At a seminar on AI governance, Sak noted the challenges posed by generative AI (GenAI), including bias, ethical concerns, privacy, security, and copyright issues. To ensure safe and effective AI implementation, organizations are advised to adopt governance structures that define strategies, manage risks, oversee operations, and select tools from vendors adhering to ethical AI policies. These efforts reflect Thailand’s commitment to fostering AI innovation while promoting ethical standards and global collaboration.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2909302/thailand-in-drive-to-promote-ai-ethics
小編點評：泰國目標成為人工智慧（AI）培訓的區域中心，透過與聯合國教科文組織（UNESCO）合作，協助發展中國家採納 AI 倫理框架，並正為公共機構制定治理架構；泰國致力於利用 AI 應對醫療保健和農業等領域的挑戰，同時確保負責任的治理，以降低偏見、隱私及安全疑慮等風險。
Vietnam Advances Startup Ecosystem with Techfest 2024, Aims for Global Innovation Leadership
越南舉辦 2024 Techfest 推動創業生態系：目標成為全球創新領導者
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inaugurated Techfest Vietnam 2024 in Hai Phong on November 27, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to developing an innovative startup ecosystem. With the theme “Joining hands to develop Vietnam’s innovative startup ecosystem,” the event highlighted Vietnam’s focus on science, technology, and innovation as pillars for sustainable growth. The Prime Minister urged collective efforts from the government, businesses, and citizens to foster startups in areas like AI, semiconductors, green economy, and digital economy, calling for bold thinking and decisive action to position Vietnam as a global innovation leader.
Vietnam’s startup ecosystem boasts approximately 4,000 startups, including two unicorns and 11 companies valued over $100 million. The nation climbed to 56th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024 and 44th in the Global Innovation Index, cementing its status as a dynamic hub in Asia-Pacific. Techfest Vietnam 2024 features 150 activities aimed at investment and collaboration opportunities, having already facilitated over 800 domestic and international investment connections since its inception. With strong government backing, the event marks Vietnam’s readiness to embrace a new era of entrepreneurial growth and global competitiveness.
小編點評：越南總理范明正為 2024 年 Techfest 主持開幕，強調越南致力於打造一個充滿活力的創業生態系，並聚焦於人工智慧、半導體、綠色經濟及數位經濟的創新。越南目前擁有約 4,000 家新創公司，其中包含 2 家獨角獸企業及 11 家估值超過 1 億美元的公司，在全球創業生態系指數中排名第 56 位。本次活動包含 150 項促進投資與合作的活動，展現了越南在政府強力支持下，欲成為全球創新領導者的雄心。
Vietnam Strengthens 4G and 5G Infrastructure as Demand Grows
越南強化 4G 與 5G 基礎建設以因應日益增長的發展需求
Telecom service providers in Vietnam are ramping up investments in 4G and 5G infrastructure to enhance connectivity while preparing for the future of mobile networks. Despite the rollout of 5G, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) projects 4G will remain the dominant technology until at least 2030, holding a majority share of subscribers. Operators like Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone continue to expand 4G coverage, with Viettel aiming to cover 98% of the population by 2025 and installing thousands of new base stations to serve rural areas affected by the shutdown of 2G services.
Concurrently, Vietnam is pushing 5G commercialization, with Viettel, VNPT, and others advancing network upgrades while investing in future technologies like 6G. VNPT plans to achieve nationwide 5G coverage and boost download speeds to 100 Mb/s, while MobiFone is set to install 4,000 new 4G stations next year. MIC officials emphasize that as 2G and 3G networks phase out, 4G remains vital for ensuring service quality and meeting consumer demand, underscoring its critical role in Vietnam’s telecom landscape.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/telecoms-service-providers-invest-in-4g-5g-technologies-post304049.vnp
小編點評：越南電信業者正投入重金建設 4G 與 5G 基礎設施以提升網路品質，預計 4G 在 2030 年前仍將是主流技術。Viettel、VNPT 和 MobiFone 等電信商正持續擴大 4G 覆蓋率，其中 Viettel 目標在 2025 年達到 98% 的人口覆蓋，同時也積極推動 5G 商用化。隨著 2G 與 3G 網路逐步淘汰，越南資訊通信部也強調 4G 對確保服務品質依然至關重要。
Indonesia Explores Nuclear Power to Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence
印尼探索核能發電以減少對化石燃料的依賴
Indonesia is in discussions with the United States and Russia to acquire nuclear power technology as part of its efforts to transition from fossil fuels, Deputy Minister Vivi Yulaswati of the Ministry of National Development Planning revealed. The country is considering both small modular reactors and conventional nuclear technology, aiming to operate nuclear power plants by 2036. While the plan remains in its early stages, with no orders yet placed, Yulaswati noted that it requires presidential approval and international collaboration, acknowledging Indonesia’s vulnerability to earthquakes as a significant consideration.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia relies heavily on coal, which powers over half its electricity needs, while clean energy sources account for less than 15%. The government has ambitious plans to attract international investments for 75 gigawatts of renewable energy over the next 15 years. Despite a $20 billion pledge under the G7’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), funding delays have hindered emission reduction efforts. So far, $217.8 million in grants has been approved for 33 decarbonization projects, including expanding electric vehicle use in Bali, with additional projects under review.
小編點評：印尼正與美國及俄羅斯討論核能技術，希望減少對化石燃料的依賴，並計畫在 2036 年前開始運作核電廠。雖然目前仍處於早期階段，但印尼目標是吸引國際投資進入再生能源與去碳化計畫，儘管目前在取得能源轉型資金方面仍面臨挑戰。
Indonesia Rejects Apple’s $100M Offer Over Local Investment Rules
印尼因本土投資法規拒絕蘋果 1 億美元投資方案
Indonesia has turned down a $100 million investment proposal from Apple, aimed at lifting a sales ban on the iPhone 16. The ban, imposed last month, stems from Apple’s failure to comply with regulations requiring 40% of phone components to be locally sourced. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita criticized Apple’s proposal, saying it lacked fairness and fell short of the company’s investments in other countries. He urged Apple to establish production facilities in Indonesia to meet local requirements and avoid renegotiating investment terms every three years.
The ban prevents the iPhone 16 from being sold commercially, but the government permits individuals to bring in the device for personal use, with an estimated 9,000 units entering the country that way. Similar restrictions have also been imposed on Google Pixel phones for failing to meet the local parts mandate, as Indonesia pushes for greater investment from global tech giants to bolster its domestic manufacturing sector.
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-indonesia-apple-million-investment.html#google_vignette
小編點評： 印尼拒絕了蘋果公司 1 億美元的投資提議，因此維持對 iPhone 16 的銷售禁令。該禁令是因為蘋果未能達到「手機零件須有 40% 來自本土」的法規要求。印尼工業部長 Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita 批評了蘋果的提議，並敦促該公司在印尼設立生產設施以符合法規。這項禁令也影響了 Google Pixel 手機，反映出印尼政府正積極爭取外資並強化國內製造業的決心。