BANGKOK – The “Brand Norway in Thailand – Norwegian Sustainability Business Ethics” roundtable organised by the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, held on February 27, 2025 at the Amari Hotel Bangkok.
The event brought together leaders from business, academia and government to explore the intersection of sustainability and business ethics. The event, celebrating 120 years of diplomatic relations between Norway and Thailand, aimed to highlight the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today’s global business environment.
Opening Remarks and Keynote Address
H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, the Ambassador of Norway to Thailand, underlined the importance of sustainable economic development and good corporate governance to support the economic competitiveness as well as social and environmental progress. Norway has introduced regulations that obligates Norwegian enterprises to align with OECD’s guidelines and to carry out due diligence throughout the value chain, in or outside Norway.
Norway is ready to support Thailand on its road to membership of the OECD. Ms. Helle also highlighted the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a significant step towards strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. The agreement contains specific commitments related to the environment, climate, labor rights and equality.
Marking 120 years of Thailand-Norway diplomatic relations, she reaffirmed the enduring partnership built on shared commitment to sustainability – paving the way for future growth and cooperation.
Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to the Minister of Industry, delivered a keynote address reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and sustainable economic development.
Speaking on “Thailand’s Commitment to ESG and a Sustainable Future,” he emphasized the importance of the circular economy and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model as core strategies for driving sustainable growth. “Thailand is dedicated to fostering an economy where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. The BCG model plays a crucial role in promoting responsible production, resource efficiency, and green innovation across industries,” he stated.
Panel Discussions Offer Practical Insights on Sustainability
The roundtable featured two key panel discussions, each offering actionable insights from leaders in the field.
The first panel, “Bridging Values: Norway-Thailand Partnerships for Ethical Growth,” focused on the shared values between Norway and Thailand in advancing ethical business practices. Representatives from Bangchak Corporation PCL, Telenor Asia and Starboard discussed how integrating sustainability into corporate strategy can drive long-term success. The session was moderated by Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee at the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFCCT).
During the session, Ms. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President, Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (BCP), highlighted Bangchak’s commitment to sustainability and responsible energy solutions.
“At Bangchak, sustainability is not just a goal—it is embedded in our business strategy. Our investment in Norway, particularly through our partnership with OKEA, reflects a commitment to responsible energy solutions, innovation, and long-term energy security. This cross-border cooperation not only strengthens our ability to develop cleaner energy alternatives while learning from Norway’s expertise in sustainable resource management, but also provides a blueprint for expanding these sustainable practices into high‑potential markets across Asia. By working together, we can create impactful, long-term solutions that benefit both economies and drive meaningful progress toward a low-carbon future.”
Similarly, Mr. Johan Martin Seland, Head of Sustainability at Telenor Asia, highlighted the role of technology in tackling emissions and optimizing energy use across industries. Ms. Ava Hider, Eco Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Starboard, emphasized the critical role businesses can play in advancing environmental sustainability through ethical and responsible practices.
The second panel, “From Vision to Practice: The Sustainability Roadmap,” provided real-world examples from Jotun Thailand and Yara, as they shared their strategies for implementing ESG initiatives. Ms. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Chairwoman of JFCCT, moderated the session, highlighting how businesses can turn sustainability visions into practical, everyday actions.
During the session, Ms. Kristine Anvik Leach, Managing Director at Jotun Thailand, highlighted Jotun’s commitment to sustainability. “Jotun is committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from product innovation to responsible supply chain management. In Thailand, we actively align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals by reducing our environmental footprint, implementing energy-efficient production methods and low VOC products and marine coatings that reduce fuel consumption thus contributing to cleaner oceans.
Norway and Thailand share a mutual ambition for sustainable growth and we are proud to be a part of this collaboration.” Mr. Vishal More, Operations Manager, and Ms. Hsiao Mae Wu, Marketing Manager at Jotun Thailand, also shared insights on how Jotun is prioritizing inclusive business practices, ensuring safe working conditions, diversity, and strong governance across its operations.
Mr. Beda Merkelbach, Yara’s Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific and Mr. Pongsin Thepruangchai, Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager for Thailand, reinforced Yara’s mission to foster sustainable agriculture through innovation, partnerships, and improving farmer productivity. In addition, Yara collaborates with governments and trade associations to promote policy-making that reflects real-world challenges, empowering farmers to adopt sustainable practices and drive long-term sustainability across the industry.
Interactive Workshop Promotes Collaborative Solutions
A key feature of the roundtable was the interactive workshop, “Building Sustainable Futures Through Collaboration,” led by Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling. 2030 SDGs Game session encouraged participants to collaborate and brainstorm solutions to advance sustainability in business. The group exercise allowed attendees to develop practical, collective strategies to tackle the challenges of implementing sustainable practices in diverse industries.
Closing Remarks and Reflections on a Successful Roundtable
The event concluded with Mr. Axel Blom, President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, delivering closing remarks. He reaffirmed the importance of responsible business practices in promoting both social and environmental well-being, stressing that the day’s discussions had reinforced the strong partnership between Norway and Thailand in working towards a sustainable future.
Mr. Blom also emphasised the opportunities presented by the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in enhancing sustainable trade and investment. Looking ahead, he encouraged businesses to continue integrating ESG values into their strategies, ensuring long-term growth and positive impact while fostering more bilateral projects, knowledge-sharing and joint ventures to drive sustainability forward.
The success of this roundtable marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between Norwegian and Thai businesses, with a shared commitment to advancing sustainability and business ethics in the region.
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