Paris: Prime Minister Srihasak Sihasak has arrived in France, ready to lead a delegation at the OECD ministerial meeting. He aims to highlight his vision of inclusive, sustainable, and competitive growth, engaging with international and business leaders to further Thailand's goal of becoming an OECD member by 2028.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Paris to prepare for the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2026. The meeting, themed "Getting Industrial Policies Right for Open Markets, Growth and Prosperity," will be held from June 3-4, 2026, at the OECD headquarters. Upon arrival, Mr. Sihasak met with Mr. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, who congratulated him on his reappointment.
During the meeting, Mr. Sihasak will focus on industrial policies promoting economic growth while maintaining open, fair, and sustainable trade. He will address challenges such as technological change, the green economy transition, and global economic uncertainty, presenting Thailand's vision for inclusive growth through innovation, human capital, and future industries.
On June 3rd, Mr. Sihasak will participate in the opening ceremony of the Ministerial Meeting and deliver a speech on 'Balancing the Goals and Impacts of Industrial Policy,' emphasizing the need to consider both development goals and their impacts. He is also scheduled for discussions with the OECD Secretary-General and Mr. Charles (Rick) Johnston, Chairman of BIAC, to strengthen cooperation and advance Thailand's OECD membership process.
On June 4th, Mr. Sihasak will lead a session on 'Investing in Sustainable Growth' before attending the closing ceremony. Thailand, which expressed its intention to join the OECD in 2024, is currently undergoing a 10-step membership process. At present, it is at step 6, involving a Technical Review by 25 OECD committees, a crucial mechanism for supporting national reform and enhancing international confidence.