Industry Ministry, UNIDO to develop circular economy in EEC

BANGKOK, Oct 4 (TNA) -- The Industry Ministry and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) join forces to develop circular economy initially in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The cooperation agreement happened when both parties organized the 5th Green Industry Conference at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The conference was set on Oct 3-5. Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said he asked UNIDO to support the development of circular economy because UNIDO had the knowledge to do so, and the development would begin with the EEC. The development would focus on transport, the management of industrial waste, the disposal of garbage from communities and the management of energy for urban communities, the minister said. He discussed the issue with UNIDO director-general Li Yong. Both also discussed plans to upgrade factories towards Industry 4.0 and environmentally friendly operations. Mr Uttama also said that as Thailand would be the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, it planned to work with UNIDO to develop ASEAN's small and medium-sized enterprises to enter into the Industry 4.0 era. For the purpose, both organizations will organize the Symposium on ASEAN SME 4.0 that would be the first of its kind in Thailand, the industry minister said. Mr Li said that UNIDO was willing to support green industries in countries and the circular economy of Thailand. (TNA)