The second green economy business mission to Thailand built on the success of the 2024 event, with Australian businesses partnering with Thai industry and government to support a smooth and successful transition to a green economy.
The 2-day mission was led by Dr Paul Grimes, Austrade CEO and Peter Fox, Linfox Executive Chairman and Australia’s Business Champion to Thailand. The 16 delegates from 14 Australian companies offered capabilities across carbon and energy management, waste management, agtech, green skills and other green economy sectors.
The mission took place alongside Sustainability Expo, ASEAN’s largest sustainability show, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. This gave the delegation an opportunity to experience Thailand’s sustainability development and meet business partners who were attending the expo.
Bridging the gap in Thailand’s sustainability efforts
Thailand recently brought forward its net zero target to 2050 (from 2065). Thai corporates are using sustainability as a key driver for growth and competitiveness, aligning with national and international sustainability goals set by government and industry. This creates great opportunities for Australian companies with capabilities in green economy technologies and solutions.
The mission program focused on matching Australian capability with Thailand’s sustainability needs, challenges and opportunities. Austrade provided market briefings and created business-matching and networking opportunities for the delegation.
‘I think the support we’re most hungry for coming into the market is an understanding of how to tailor and best fit our unique value proposition to the needs of potential clients and partners here,’ says Justin Ahmed, Director of Beanstalk Agtech, a leading ventures and advisory firm dedicated to driving sustainable agrifood systems.
Learning from the best in the market
The mission started with a market briefing for the delegation by Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Austrade CEO Dr Paul Grimes and Amelia Walsh, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Thailand and Laos.
The delegation heard from Peter Fox, Linfox Executive Chairman and Australia’s Business Champion to Thailand in a fireside chat. Mr Fox spoke about his experience leading Linfox’s business operations in Thailand over the past 30 years, and how he saw the opportunities in the market for Australian businesses and investors.
To support the delegation with their export and investment journey in Thailand, the mission included an “ask an expert” session. Senior representatives from Export Finance Australia, Thailand Board of Investment, Digital Economy Promotion Agency and AustCham addressed questions from the delegation about doing business in Thailand.
Exclusive meetings with Siam Cement Group and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited also deepened delegates’ understanding of Thai conglomerates’ sustainability focus areas.
Peter Fox, Linfox Executive Chairman and Australia’s Business Champion to Thailand, spoke about Linfox’s 30-year business in Thailand with Amelia Walsh, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Thailand and Laos.
Highlighting innovation partnerships to spark what’s next
A highlight of the mission was a showcase of Australian and Thai innovation partnerships. These included:
- Murdoch University and Naresuan University
- 4 Seasons Thailand (Charlies Ag) and Thai farmers
- Earth Systems and Enable Earth
- Macquarie University and The Circularity Accelerator (CIRAC), part of the Indo – Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN)
Some of these organisations first met during the 2024 Green Economy mission and have since developed thriving partnerships. Murdoch University and Naresuan University launched a joint laboratory to mitigate the impacts of plastic waste across the Asia-Pacific. Earth Systems and Thailand’s Enable Earth’s partnership focused on developing biochar-making machines.
Showcasing Australian green economy capabilities and exploring partnerships
All delegates had a chance to make a 3-minute pitch to Thai business and government attendees – showcasing their unique offering and how it fits with Thailand’s Bio Circular Green Economy (BCG) agenda.
The capability pitch was followed by one-on-one business-matching sessions. The delegation had over 150 business meetings with more than 60 Thai companies, government agencies, state enterprises and educational institutions.
‘I think the biggest thing for us is exploring partnerships,’ says Moses Lim, CEO of Green Eco Technologies, an advanced waste management technology company. ‘Being able to find the right partners here who we can enter the Thai market with. Also, someone that is trusted, understands the industry and has passion for a true circular economy solution.’
The mission wrapped up with a networking reception at the Australian Ambassador’s residence where the delegation connected with over 70 senior representatives from the Thai government, industry associations and businesses.
‘Austrade has been very helpful in ensuring that local partners understand our business,’ says Patrick Lay, founder and director of Retragreen, a company specialising in HVAC optimisation for commercial buildings. ‘They have given us a lot of insights on how to do business in Thailand. Most importantly, they have done an incredible job linking us with the right partners. We are leaning on Austrade to guide us to build long and sustainable business in Thailand.’
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