H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, gave opening remarks at the “Seminar on Thailand and Creative ASEAN” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). The event was organised by the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, and the Creative Economy Agency (CEA).

H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongse, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the potential and opportunities for advancing the creative economy in ASEAN. To realise this potential, it is necessary for governments to support the development and promote the growth of the industry, while regularly sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences among experts at the national and regional levels, especially concerning how to further advance, empower, and nurture talent, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, as well as relevant organisations, enabling them to be able to enter the global market.

The Seminar had two main sessions: (1) a discussion session on “Promoting Creative Economy: Best Practices and Experiences,” and (2) a panel discussion on “the Current Status and Way Forward in Promoting ASEAN’s Creative Economy.” During the discussions, panelists shared insights on the growth of creative industry, discussed Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection within ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners, and also discussed how to enhance Public-Private Partnership in creative economy among ASEAN Member States as well as with its Dialogue Partners.

Speakers from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), as well as participants from the public and private sector exchanged ideas and experiences on how to develop and strengthen creative industries.

The Seminar also included an exhibition featuring products from Thailand-owned brands, including PDM, VINN PATARARIN, OTOP products, and products endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce as well as global brands like POP MART. The exhibition also presented information on creative economy in ASEAN and Thailand.