The Industry Ministry is preparing to discuss a plan with the Defence Ministry to promote national defence as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen S-curve industries to drive GDP.
Cooperation with the Defence Ministry, which has information on demand for weapons from armed forces as well as technology, is crucial for the push for the national defence industry, which is one of the S-curve industries.
"We expect this plan to help develop Thai military technology and innovations which will make Thailand the owner of technology rather than just an importer of weapons from abroad," said Industry Minister Akanat Promphan. "Industry officials will fully support this plan."
Mr Akanat was speaking yesterday at the 2024 Eco Innovation Forum under the theme of "Now Thailand: Sustainable Futures", which was jointly organised by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and the Federation of Thai Industries.
The minister stressed the need to support S-curve industries and promote renewable energy development to join the international community in efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Authorities earlier announced they want to develop 12 targeted S-curve industries, including new-generation cars and smart electronics, in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
"The government has also already prepared a plan to boost clean energy development. A shift towards clean energy is needed as businesses are worried about the impact of a non-tariff trade barrier," said Mr Akanat.
He was referring to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), imposed by the European Union (EU) to deal with carbon-intensive manufacturing.
Under CBAM, businesses need to use more renewable power to avoid a non-tariff barrier if they export products to countries within the EU.
The transitional phase of CBAM, which started in October 2023, requires importers of certain products to report greenhouse gas emissions embedded in their imports without being subject to financial payments or adjustments.
