Latest news with #LalivanKarnchanachari
Bangkok Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
France celebrates National Day with grandeur in Bangkok, marking 340 years of ties with Siam
The French Embassy in Thailand hosted a grand reception at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok, on Monday evening to commemorate France's National Day, observed annually on July 14. This year's celebration held added significance, marking 340 years since the first historic contact between Siam and France, and 169 years of formal diplomatic relations. The event was presided over by Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand, and attended by Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. Among the many distinguished Thai and international guests were ambassadors, senior government officials, and prominent figures from the business community, including business titans Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul and Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of Thai Beverage Plc, who gathered to honour the occasion. In his address, Ambassador Poimboeuf reflected on the long-standing friendship between the two nations, beginning with the 1685 diplomatic mission sent by King Louis XIV to King Narai of Ayutthaya. The ambassador noted that, 340 years on, bilateral relations remain strong, underpinned by cooperation in key areas such as defence, infrastructure, energy transition and space. The ties between the two nations have been further energised in recent years by the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Bangkok in November 2022, during Thailand's presidency of APEC, and two visits to France by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in March and May 2024. During their meetings in Paris, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership, focusing on key areas of cooperation including defence and security, infrastructure development, space technology, and the energy transition. These priorities were reaffirmed during a telephone conversation on June 27 between the French President and the head of the Thai government. Meanwhile, a new bilateral action plan is being finalised to advance these shared objectives. As part of the commemorations for the 340th anniversary of Franco-Thai relations, recent high-level visits and the bilateral action plan have helped reinforce the partnership. The celebrations also include exhibitions, publications, seminars, and cultural showcases. These activities will continue into 2026, when Thailand and France will mark 170 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, paving the way for further meaningful exchange and collaboration.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Call for decisive action to close gender gap in digital access
KUALA LUMPUR: Governments and businesses must act decisively to close the gender gap in digital access and ensure women are central to the design and governance of emerging technologies, said Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. Dr Lalivan Karnchanachari. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 World Women Economic and Business Summit (WWEBS) today, Lalivan said inclusive participation is critical to unlocking the full economic potential of digital transformation. 'Technology can fundamentally reshape economies, but women must be included from the start,' she said. 'In Thailand, women account for less than 30% of online learners, a clear signal that access and engagement remain unequal.' She called for strategic collaboration between governments, the private sector and academia to address barriers to participation and develop policies that support women in the digital economy. This year's WWEBS gathers more than 500 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific, including women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. The summit, now in its fourth year, carries the theme 'Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading in a Digital, Sustainable and Inclusive Future'. The event aims to strengthen women's leadership in high-impact areas such as digital innovation, sustainability and inclusive business growth. WWEBS organising committee chair Datuk Halimah Mohd Said said women leaders must be ready to navigate the disruptive forces of artificial intelligence (AI), climate adaptation and evolving workforce demands. 'To lead effectively in today's economy, credibility, vision and execution are crucial,' she said in her opening address. 'Leadership is not just about setting goals, but inspiring action that drives measurable results.' Halimah also emphasised the need for leadership renewal across industries, saying that digital transformation requires a shift in mindset, not just tools. 'Companies need leaders who are agile, innovative, and capable of aligning teams with a forward-looking strategy.' WWEBS, she added, serves as a strategic platform for cross-sector collaboration, enabling businesses and institutions to exchange insights and scale gender-inclusive solutions. In line with the summit's digital theme, an on-site exhibition showcased 19 artworks by six female artists, including a featured piece that integrated AI and augmented reality, underscoring how creative and tech sectors are converging. Among the distinguished guests were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and former special adviser to the finance minister Nurul Izzah Anwar, both of whom stressed the importance of creating ecosystems that support women-led ventures. The summit also honoured leading entrepreneurs and executives through its annual Business Excellence Awards and Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising trailblazers driving transformation across industries. As businesses worldwide embrace automation, environmental, social and governance standards and borderless markets, WWEBS positions itself as a regional anchor point for developing inclusive economic strategies led by women.
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Enterprises from 39 Countries Join WCIFIT, with Thailand, Hong Kong, and Sichuan in the Spotlight
CHONGQING, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from iChongqing: Over 1,300 enterprises from 39 countries and regions gathered in Chongqing on May 22 for the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), highlighting rising global interest in the region's economic potential. The event drew participants from 28 Chinese provinces and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, showcasing the latest in trade and innovation. The fair also featured the debut of Lingjie, the world's first megawatt-class supercharging heavy-duty truck, co-developed by Qingling Motors and Huawei Digital Power. With ultra-fast charging and smart connectivity, it marks a major step forward in green logistics and heavy-duty transport electrification. Centered around the theme 'New Western China, New Manufacturing, New Services,' this year's fair highlights cultivating new quality productive forces and promoting high-quality development. 56 Chinese central state-owned enterprises, 156 local state-owned enterprises, 47 Fortune Global 500 companies, 93 multinational corporations, and 286 leading private enterprises participated. Thailand is participating as the guest country of honor, Sichuan Province continues its role as the permanent guest province, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region joins as the new guest city of honor. Dr. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, highlighted the significance of this year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand. She expressed hopes for deeper cooperation with Chongqing in high value-added manufacturing, supply chains, and SME development. At the opening ceremony, a series of major investment deals were signed, with the total amount exceeding 200 billion yuan (about 27.6 billion USD). Districts and counties across Chongqing secured agreements worth over 100 billion yuan, with more than 75% of the investment directed toward the manufacturing and modern services sectors. Showcasing both exhibitions and themed activities, this year's WCIFIT exhibition spans three major sections—comprehensive image, international and regional cooperation, and modern industry—covering nine halls across 110,000 square meters. A virtual exhibition hall has also been launched to extend access online. Themed activities include 29 events focused on key areas such as the productive service industry, foreign investment, international trade, public sector engagement, and special programs hosted by the guest of honor.
