IEAT Explores Japan’s Circular Economy Innovations for Green Industrial Growth
IEAT 考察日本創新循環經濟，推動綠色產業成長
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（IEAT）正與日本企業合作，推動泰國的低排放、循環經濟轉型。代表團透過實地考察，探索了包括環保型氨能系統、電子廢棄物回收以及土壤回收等尖端技術，以支持泰國的綠色工業發展以及2050年前實現碳中和的目標。
Thailand Seeks to Solidify Role as Regional Manufacturing Hub
泰國尋求鞏固其作為區域製造中心的地位
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：商務部長畢猜·納里帕塔潘在與美國-東協商務理事會的會議中，強調了泰國對美國投資者的吸引力，特別是該國的戰略地理位置、熟練的勞動力以及友善的商業環境。會議討論的重點包括加強經濟聯繫、解決貿易障礙，以及促進電子和汽車製造等領域的合作。畢猜還提及深化與日本關係的計劃，並推動與歐盟和加拿大的自由貿易協定，進一步鞏固泰國作為區域經濟新興強國的地位。
Thailand to Be Removed from US Intellectual Property Watch List, Eyes Stronger Economic Ties
泰國將從美國知識產權觀察名單中移除，展望更緊密的經濟聯繫
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：商務部長比查·納里帕坦宣布，泰國在與美國貿易代表凱瑟琳·泰成功會談後，將被移出美國知識產權監視名單，這標誌著貿易關係的改善。隨著美國公司如惠普、谷歌和亞馬遜擴大在該國的業務，泰國也在努力重獲其普遍優惠制度（GSP）的特權，藉此吸引更多投資。
Thailand Targets Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Ahead of 2065, Boosted by Green Climate Fund
泰國目標提前於2065年實現淨零碳排放，獲得綠色氣候基金支持
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：泰國正努力在2065年目標之前實現淨零碳排放，並計劃在2030年前減少30-40%的溫室氣體排放。該國每年使用700萬美元的綠色氣候基金，支持氣候緩解項目及《氣候變遷法》的準備工作，重點關注主要產業。泰國還計劃在2024年管理一筆400萬美元的適應預算，其中包括應對洪水和乾旱的資金，同時努力吸引全球財務支持以實現其氣候目標。
Thailand’s First Sustainability-Linked Bonds Attract Overwhelming Investor Demand
泰國首支永續連結債券吸引投資者熱烈需求
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：泰國首次發行的永續連結債券（SLBs）吸引了投資者的極大關注，申購金額接近初始發行額的三倍，最終將發行規模提升至300億泰銖，利率為2.70%。這些債券旨在推動永續發展，設立了包括到2030年減少30%溫室氣體排放以及登記44萬輛零排放車輛等績效目標，這使泰國成為亞洲首個發行永續連結債券的政府。
IMF Projects Thai Economic Growth at 2.7% in 2024 Amid Fiscal Stimulus and Investment Boost
IMF預測泰國受財政刺激與投資推動影響, 2024年經濟成長率為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：國際貨幣基金組織（IMF）預測，泰國經濟在2024年的成長率將達到2.9%，主要受惠於財政刺激措施、公共投資以及強勁的私人消費。儘管2023年第三季度經濟成長率為3.0%，IMF強調需要靈活的貨幣政策以及進一步的降息來支持經濟復甦。泰國銀行預計將於12月審查其貨幣政策立場，而國家經濟與社會發展委員會則預測2023年的經濟成長率為2.6%。
Thailand Aims to Become Regional Hub for AI Training and Governance
泰國目標成為區域性的人工智慧培訓與治理中心
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：泰國致力於成為人工智慧（AI）培訓的區域中心，並與聯合國教科文組織合作，協助發展中國家採用AI倫理框架，同時為公共機構制定治理框架。該國專注於運用AI解決醫療和農業等多個領域的挑戰，同時確保負責任的治理，以減輕偏見、隱私和安全問題等風險。
Vietnam Advances Startup Ecosystem with Techfest 2024, Aims for Global Innovation Leadership
越南通過2024年科技節推動創業生態系統，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：越南總理范明政主持了2024年越南科技節（Techfest Vietnam 2024）的開幕儀式，強調該國致力於建立以人工智慧、半導體以及綠色和數位經濟創新為核心的動態新創生態系統。越南的新創領域目前約有4,000家新創公司，其中包括兩家獨角獸企業，以及11家估值超過1億美元的公司，在全球新創生態系統指數中排名第56位。本次活動包含150項促進投資與合作的活動，展現越南在政府大力支持下成為全球創新領導者的雄心。
Vietnam Strengthens 4G and 5G Infrastructure as Demand Grows
越南隨著需求增長加強4G和5G基礎建設
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：越南的電信業者正大力投資4G和5G基礎建設以提升連接性，預計4G將至少在2030年前仍然是主流技術。像是Viettel、VNPT和MobiFone等業者正在擴大4G覆蓋範圍，其中Viettel計劃在2025年前覆蓋98%的人口，同時推進5G商業化進程。越南資訊與通信部強調，在2G和3G網路逐步淘汰的過程中，4G對於確保服務品質仍然至關重要。
Indonesia Explores Nuclear Power to Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence
印尼探索核能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：印尼正透過與美國和俄羅斯的討論，探索核能技術，以減少對化石燃料的依賴，並計劃於2036年前啟用核電廠。雖然仍處於初期階段，該國致力於吸引國際投資，用於再生能源和減碳項目，但在能源轉型的資金籌措方面仍面臨挑戰。
Indonesia Rejects Apple’s $100M Offer Over Local Investment Rules
印尼因當地投資規範拒絕蘋果1億美元提案
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：印尼已拒絕蘋果提出的1億美元投資提案，該提案旨在解除對iPhone 16的銷售禁令。此禁令是由於蘋果未能符合當地規定，要求手機40%的零件必須來自本地供應。印尼工業部長阿古斯·古米望·卡塔薩斯米塔批評了蘋果的提議，並敦促該公司在印尼設立生產設施以遵守當地要求。該禁令同樣影響到Google Pixel手機，因為印尼正努力促進投資並加強其國內製造業部門。