Thailand and Japan Join Forces to Drive SMEs Toward a Green Economy Transforming Business for Sustainable Growth

As “sustainability” shifts from a trend to a golden business opportunity, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and the ASEAN-Japan Centre have teamed up to host the seminar “Transforming SMEs for a Green Economy Future.” The event brought together over 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from both countries, encouraging them to turn environmental challenges into new revenue streams.

With support from 11 leading organizations—including financial institutions offering green finance—the initiative focused on carbon reduction, modern trade standards, and fostering partnerships between Thai and Japanese SMEs. Japan, Thailand’s third-largest trading partner, recorded bilateral trade worth $52 billion in 2024. The collaboration aims to upgrade production processes and create green innovations that meet the growing global demand for sustainable products.

The seminar’s core message was clear: “Don’t just adapt—take action.” Deputy Minister Suchart Chomklin highlighted the “Green to Growth” model, which transforms traditional factories into green businesses with support from financial institutions and Japanese technology.

Key benefits from the seminar :

• Over 100 Thai and Japanese SMEs gained practical guidance, from product design to achieving international certifications.
• The event fostered a green business network, boosting exports of key products like electric vehicles and processed foods.
• Thailand is positioning itself as ASEAN’s “green manufacturing hub,” leveraging supply chain strengths and deepening Thai-Japanese cooperation.

For more information : Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce
Link : https://www.dtn.go.th