Thailand called for shared regional standards, green skills and better access to finance at the Denmark-backed ASEAN circular economy forum in Bangkok.
Chatvadee Chindawongse, Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Department of ASEAN Affairs, outlined the priorities during opening remarks on 5 October, according to a ministry report published on 6 October.
The ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue organised the forum with support from Denmark. It also worked with the European Union and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), an independent research institute registered in Sweden.
The event brought together policymakers, businesses, researchers and civil society to discuss practical ways to advance the circular economy across Southeast Asia.
Standards, skills and finance
Chindawongse highlighted the need to align regional standards, develop skills for green and circular businesses, and tailor financing mechanisms to circular industries.
She also stressed that economic growth and sustainable development should advance together.
Denmark already cooperates with the ASEAN centre on circular economy initiatives. In April 2025, the centre and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency signed an agreement in Bangkok to strengthen that cooperation.
