H.E. Mrs. Sansanee Sahussarungsi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Poland, participated in the 11^th European Economic Congress (EEC) during 13 – 15 May 2019 in Katowice. On that occasion the Royal Thai Embassy in Warsaw together with the EEC organizer, organized a seminar session on Thailand-Poland relations which is organized for the first time under the framework of the Europe – ASEAN forum on 14 May 2019 with the objective of promoting the potential of Thailand as a hub for trade and investment. Ambassador Sansanee delivered an opening remarks at the session and summarized Thailand-Poland relations and important Government policies, including the 20 years National Development Strategy, Thailand 4.0 policy, Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor as well as the role of Thailand as the ASEAN Chair in 2019. The panel consisted of (1) Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Deputy Executive Director, National Innovation Agency of Thailand; (2) Ms. Yordkamon Suthirapojn, Vice – Consul, Board of Investment of Thailand; (3) Mr. Konrad Pawlik, Deputy Director, Economic Co-operation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland; and (4) Mr. Janusz Wladyczak, Chairman of the Board, Export Credit Insurance Corporation.  The session was well-received and attracted approximately 100 participants. 

The European Economic Congress (EEC) forum is considered the largest economic event in Central Europe with 12,500 participants. This year, the EEC focuses on the most relevant topics of discussion related to Europe and the reforms of the European Union. The opening session on “A new Union – a young Union: European social challenges vs. health economy” had a high-profile panelists including both Polish Ministers and former Head of the Government from the region. At the EEC meeting in 2018, Ambassador Sansanee as the Chairman of the ASEAN Committee of Warsaw (ACW) and other Ambassadors of ASEAN countries joined together as a panelist to discuss about potential of ASEAN and potential of each respective country of ASEAN at the session. In this year, Thailand has built upon the fruitful session from last year and organized a dedicated session about the potential of Thailand – Poland.

In addition, Ambassador and delegation also attended the European Start-up Day 2019 on 15 May 2019 which is the largest Forum in Central Europe for Startups to meet and negotiate business and seek funding.