The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) successfully hosted the “GCCA CEO Gathering and Leader Conference 2024,” the first cement industry summit in Thailand in collaboration with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). This conference marks a significant milestone in uniting efforts from governments, international organisations, and alliances of leading cement and concrete producers across the globe, underscoring Thailand’s success in attracting global support and securing an innovation and green fund valued at CAD 8 million to advance the industry towards a Net Zero Future.
Thailand’s Minister of Industry, H.E. Miss Pimphattra Wichaikul, presided over the remarkable global conference, “GCCA CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference 2024,” which convened over 200 CEOs and leaders from the world’s leading cement and concrete manufacturers in Bangkok.
“The irreplaceable nature of the cement and concrete industry to Thailand and the world is clear – providing modern infrastructure, as well as our homes, hospitals, offices and so much more. Thailand is one of the first countries in the world with a credible national roadmap for delivering on the cement industry’s Net Zero Emission. Key to success is innovation, cross-sectoral cooperation, strong leadership with clear targets and international collaboration to drive policy and implementation. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the cement industry - GCCA and TCMA - on the collaboration and the CAD 8 million green fund from the Government of Canada, facilitated through the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to support crucial projects and research on decarbonising the cement industry in Thailand and across Asia. This is a significant step forward,” said Her Excellency Ms Pimphattra Wichaikul.
Dr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Industry, honoured to open the conference, stated, “The Ministry of Industry (MIND) of Thailand realises the importance of climate change and works closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industries, including energy and waste management, following the National Determined Contribution (NDC) that Thailand committed to in the Paris Agreement by applying the concept of Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) to generate the balance of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, together with enhancing industrial competitiveness under environmentally supportive measures. ‘SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY’ is one tangible action, such as hydraulic cement that reduces carbon emission in the production process under Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) of Thailand NDC. We share the same beliefs, pursue the same purposes, and act according to the same approaches. It is now the right time to move forward together,” said Dr. Nattapol.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), highlighted the success of the GCCA 2024 themed ‘Cement Industry Progress – What's next for our collective action and future’ as a result of concerted efforts at domestic, regional, and global levels, reflecting the synergy of leading agencies, including the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Government of Canada, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the GCCA network, and the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA). These entities have provided, with their knowledge, technology, and innovation, guidelines to drive the cement and concrete industries towards decarbonisation and mitigating climate change impacts.
“This first green fund delivered to the Thai cement industry is a crucial stepping stone which elevates the position and potential of TCMA and Thai cement producer members. TCMA is ready to collaborate with all sectors, including UNIDO’s global network of experts, to realise the Net Zero goal as outlined in the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, which encompasses operational capacity building, pilot projects, and deployment of low-carbon technologies in cement and concrete industries, as well as strengthening an innovation ecosystem,” Dr. Chana Poomee elaborated.
Thomas Guillot, CEO of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), commended Thailand and TCMA for their exceptional “Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap,” the first of its kind globally, aligning with GCCA’s Net Zero Roadmap. With active implementation and continuous collaboration, both domestically and internationally, this roadmap has been shown to make tangible progress.
“Despite our industry’s efforts, challenges remain if we are to reach our shared goal of net zero concrete, including policy and procurement issues. We welcome the support of organisations through UNIDO. Only by working together will we be able to deliver on our global commitment to net-zero concrete,” Mr. Guillot emphasised.
