On August 28, 2024, the International Trade and Development Institute (ITD) held a hybrid seminar titled “Trade Amidst the Climate Crisis Era” at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok. The seminar aimed to share knowledge on trade and development in the context of the climate change crisis. Mr. Supakij Charoenkul, ITD Director, honored the event by delivering the opening speech.

The seminar featured distinguished speakers from international organizations and foreign experts who delivered special lectures on trade and climate change, including:

• Ms. Lucia Balogova, Deputy Head of the Economic and Trade Section, EU Delegation to Thailand, on “The EU’s Movement: Climate and Trade at the Frontiers”
• Dr. Yose Rizal Damuri, Executive Director, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia, on “Responding to Climate-Trade Measure: Case of Indonesia”
• Mr. Aik Hoe Lim, Director of the Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO), on “Balancing Trade and Climate”
• Mr. Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute, Malaysia, on “Responding to Climate-Trade Measure: Case of Malaysia”

Representatives from Thai government agencies, private sector, and academia involved in trade and climate change measures participated in a panel discussion titled “Thailand’s Way Forward: Advancing Trade Amidst Climate Change,” including:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayanit Tantivaddakorn, Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University
• Ms. Kritya Chulawiriyaikul, Director of the Policy and Mechanism Development Group, Department of Climate Change and Environmental Affairs
• Mr. Dechakam Boonma, Vice Chairman of the Steel Industry Group, Federation of Thai Industries

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Wimol Pankong, Deputy Director (Academic) of ITD.

During the seminar, ITD researcher presented preliminary findings and recommendations from their project “The Adaptation to Climate Change Mitigation-Related Trade Measures to Enhance MSMEs Competitiveness.” This research presentation was part of ITD’s effort to disseminate and utilize research for public benefit.

The topic of trade amidst the climate crisis is of significant interest globally and across all sectors in Thailand. Current trade and climate change measures impact Thailand’s exports and those of ASEAN member countries. Environmental challenges necessitate intensified climate action, with trade measures playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and supporting the Green Transition. However, using trade measures to address climate change also raises debates on the common but differentiated Responsibilities principle under UNFCCC, non-discrimination principles, and historical greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to adapt to these trade measures, while the government must support adaptation efforts and engage in international discussions on trade and climate change to maximize benefits for both trade and the environment.