The Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (TNCC) successfully hosted the “Brand Norway in Thailand – Norwegian Sustainability Business Ethics” roundtable on 27 February 2025 at the Amari Bangkok Hotel, bringing together over 90 participants from Thai and international businesses, academia, trade associations, and government organisations. The event focused on the intersection of sustainability and business ethics, highlighting the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today’s global business landscape.
The event was opened by H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia, who emphasised Norway’s commitment to sustainable economic development and good corporate governance. She noted that Norway is ready to support Thailand on its path to joining the OECD and highlighted the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a key step in strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations.
A keynote address was delivered by Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to the Minister of Industry and spokesperson for the ministry, on “Thailand’s Commitment to Promoting ESG Values Through Business and Prospects for a Sustainable Future”. His speech underscored the necessity of responsible and transparent business operations and the role of public-private collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
“Under the leadership of Minister Ekanat Promphan, Thailand is making significant progress. The Ministry of Industry is set to propose the country’s first Industrial Waste Management Act, which will introduce stricter regulations for tracking and managing industrial and electronic waste from production to disposal,” Mr. Pongpol stated.
He also addressed global environmental regulations, such as the EU’s Carbon Border Tax and ESG compliance requirements, explaining that Thailand views these as opportunities rather than obstacles. The act aims to promote fair competition by enforcing stricter environmental regulations, preventing businesses from cutting costs at the expense of sustainability.
The roundtable featured two key panel discussions with distinguished industry leaders, including:
- Johan Martin Seland, Director and Head of Sustainability for Telenor Asia
- Ava Hider, Eco Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Starboard
- Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President, Sustainability Management, Bangchak Corporation PCL
- Kristine Anvik Leach, Managing Director, Jotun Thailand
- Vishal More, Operations Manager, Jotun Thailand
- Hsiao Mae Wu, Marketing Manager, Jotun Thailand
- Beda Merkelbach, Senior Vice President – Asia Pacific, Yara International
- Pongsin Thepruangchai, Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager, Yara Thailand
Moderated by Martin Venzky-Stalling (Sustainable Development Committee Chair) and Mrs. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag (Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce), the discussions provided valuable insights into corporate sustainability initiatives and business ethics.
An interactive workshop titled “Building Sustainable Futures Through Collaboration”, led by Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling, allowed participants to engage in the 2030 SDGs Game, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing on promoting sustainability in business practices.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Axel Blom, President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the importance of responsible business practices and the strong partnership between Norway and Thailand in advancing sustainability.
The roundtable was supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok and several corporate sponsors, including Jotun Thailand, Bangchak, Felicia Design, Krabi Spesialisten Co., Ltd, Lerøy, Mahanakorn Partners Group, Samitivej Hospital, Telenor Asia, and Thammachart Seafood.
The event also served as part of the celebrations marking 120 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Norway in 2025.
For more details, visit the full event article: TNCC Facebook Post
To explore event photos: Event Album
