On July 2, 2018 Trade and Development Regional Forum opened in Bangkok. The event organized by the Thailand-based International Institute for Trade and Development brought together a wide range of participants including representatives of the Royal Thai Government, UN ESCAP Secretariat, as well as some UN specialized agencies and various NGOs.

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD addressed the meeting. He emphasized the need for regional leadership in confronting challenges to trade and development including protectionism and threats to the existing multilateral trade rules.

The participants of the Forum will discuss ways of enhancing trade, including development of electronic trade in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the situation in the sphere of trade liberalization and strengthening of regional cooperation between Asia-Pacific countries.

At the inauguration of the Forum the Royal Thai Government was represented by H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Banjongjitt Angsusingh, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Dr. Watanaporn Ra-ngubtook, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

Among the heads of diplomatic missions attending the event was H.E. Mr. Kirill Barsky, Ambassador of Russia to Thailand.