Ambassador of Sri Lanka Meets Secretary General of Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)

Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, held a productive meeting with the Secretary General of the National Economic and Social Development Council of Thailand, Danucha Pichayanan on 09th December 2024. The NESDC, as the primary planning and advisory body of the Thai Government, plays a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s economic and social policies through its five-year National Economic and Social Development Plans. The current plan (2023-2027) emphasizes sustainable development, poverty reduction, income distribution, and strategic economic growth.

During the discussions, Secretary General Pichayanan shared insights into Thailand’s strategies for achieving export diversification, attracting international tourists and drawing foreign investors to key industrial zones, including the Eastern Economic Corridor. Highlighting Thailand’s success in these areas, he emphasized the importance of quality labor and robust domestic demand as critical factors in making the country an attractive destination for investment.

He also provided a historical perspective on Thailand’s development journey, referencing the launch of its first National Economic and Social Development Plan in 1961. He emphasized the importance of a country’s policy continuity in achieving long-term development goals.

Ambassador Edirisinghe proposed organizing a brainstorming session for Sri Lankan Government officials, facilitated by the NESDC, to exchange knowledge and experiences on Thailand’s policy development and implementation processes. This initiative aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s policymaking capabilities in areas such as economic diversification and sustainable development.

Ambassador Edirisinghe also highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent initiatives, including the establishment of the Ministry of Digital Technology and a target to generate USD 15 billion in revenue through the digital economy. In response, Secretary General Pichayanan underscored Thailand’s vision of becoming a regional data transfer hub, stressing the importance of renewable energy and electricity supply stability in achieving this goal.

The meeting underscored the potential for collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in policy development, digital transformation, and investment and tourism promotion. Both sides expressed their commitment to fostering closer ties and exploring opportunities for mutual growth and learning. Counsellor (Commercial) of the Embassy Vireshika Bandara also joined the discussion.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
11th December 2024