The International Institute for Trade and Development (Public Organization) or ITD organized the training “Advanced Program on Commercial Diplomacy and International Trade Negotiations,” from 10-14 June 2014, Which was held at the Auditorium room 3^rd floor and Thong Lo room on the 4^th floor of the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai.

Mr. Suphakit Charoenkul, Executive Director of the International Institute for Trade and Development, delivered speech for welcoming and opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the training activities. Afterward, Miss Sirikan Prasertying, Director of the International Cooperation Office, International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), outlined the objectives and overview of the training. The training participants were from total of 22 individuals, comprising 15 Thai participants from government agencies such as the Bank of Thailand, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Ministry of Public Health, and the Australian Embassy, among others. Additionally, 7 participants from foreign government agencies, private sectors, commercial diplomats, and international organizations representing four countries of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and Republic of Romania were also attended.

The primary objective of this training was to enhance knowledge and understanding of international trade negotiations through the use of commercial diplomacy, strengthening skills and techniques in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. The aim was to effectively implement trade and investment policies in future negotiations, as well as to foster a network of international trade negotiators between government and private sectors across the Asia-Pacific region. The training covered current global geopolitical situations, emerging trade issues, negotiations affecting national benefits, sustainability, climate change, resolution of trade disputes through agreements impacting society, digital trade, e-commerce, and trade technology. Practical exercises included the use of the UNESCAP Trade Intelligence and Negotiation Advisory (TINA) system, along with simulations of group negotiation scenarios, group presentations, and strategic foresight for lead negotiators.

Moreover, the training activity included the “Empowering Trade Leaders” session, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of trade leaders in building networks and fostering cooperation for international economic growth. The objective is to enhance the potential of trade leaders to gain perspectives on negotiation strategies through exchanging views from experienced trade leaders, and create networks and cooperation among commercial diplomats, Trade leaders and related people from the government, private sector, educational sector, and various trade operators in the ASEAN region, Asia and Pacific region and other regions at the international level. This session, held on June 13, 2024, at Siam Hall, 6^th floor at Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, gathered participants from various sectors, including public and private sectors, educational institutions, trade representatives, commercial diplomats, and policy directors from ASEAN, Asia-Pacific, and other international regions, totaling 91 attendees.

The event was honored by Mr. Montri Mahaplerkpong, Board Member of the International Institute for Trade and Development (Public Organization), who welcomed and opened the session. Mr. Kiat Sittheeamorn, former president of the Thai Trade Representative, shared his insights as the keynote on the topic “Challenges of International Negotiations under the current global geopolitics”. The evening session also featured a panel discussion on “Insight on Leadership Challenges of Negotiations Strategy” moderated by Mr. Varin Sachdev, with contributions from Mr. Wiwat Hemmondharop (Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries), Dr. Meechai Thaocharean (Representative of BRICS Alliance Thailand), Dr. Rupa Chanda (Director, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID), ESCAP), and Mr. Phonchai Prapavong, (Trade Officer Expert Level, Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand)

This training and discussion activity is recognized as a key forum for fostering international cooperation in the ASEAN, Asia, and Asia-Pacific Region, led by Thailand through the International Institute for Trade and Development (Public Organization), aimed for promoting sustainable economic, social, and environmental development through enhanced trade negotiation capabilities.