The Thai private sector has been encouraged to do business with the United Nations (UN), in line with the Government’s policy to revive and strengthen the Thai economy.

Delegates at the event

In his statement at the seminar "Business Opportunities with the UN: Tips for Doing Business with the UN,” Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand’s proactive role as a bridge builder in using multilateral diplomacy to foster partnerships and business opportunities between Thailand and the global community.

The event took place recently at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Bangkok. It was the second edition of the seminar on "Business Opportunities with the United Nations,” organized by the Department of International Organization and UNESCAP.

Attending this event were Thai entrepreneurs from various sectors as well as representatives from public agencies and social enterprises including: Doi Kham Food Products Company Limited; the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT); the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior; the Federation of Thai Industries; and the Thai Hotels Association.

Amidst the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the seminar identified opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to adapt and enhance their competitiveness to meet international standards and explore new markets by doing business with the UN.

Participants were informed about new opportunities, such as in bidding for the UNESCAP construction projects particularly the Seismic mitigation retrofit and life-cycle replacements project – SMP. The first construction phase of the project is expected to start in the first half of 2021, with completion expected at the end of 2023.

Apart from providing useful information on the UN procurement system and procurement categories, UNESCAP Procurement officials also helped Thai entrepreneurs navigate through the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM), which is the official procurement portal of the United Nations System. In addition, participants received various tips and examples of best practices in doing business and working with the UN from guest speakers.

According to the recent UN Procurement Report, the total volume of UN agencies’ procurement of goods and services worldwide in 2019 was worth US$19.9 billion (approximately 600 billion Thai baht). Procurement from suppliers in Thailand was valued at US$85 million, the figure of which has been increasing for three consecutive years.