The ARISE Plus Thailand project: Workshop on Competition Policy and Health Crises

On 22nd June 2023 – EABC led by Ms. Paranee Adulyapichet, Vice President / Chair of Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals WG and Ms. Taliya Lakornsri, Vice Chair of the Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals WG, participated in the “WORKSHOP ON COMPETITION POLICY AND HEALTH CRISES” as part of the ARISE Plus Thailand project at Pullman Kingpower Bangkok.

The project aimed to support inclusive and sustainable trade growth in Thailand, while contributing to economic integration in the ASEAN region. One of the specific objectives of the project is to improve the efficiency of public expenditure by contributing to “Strengthened capacity of the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) for the application of the competition regulatory framework in accordance with international best practices.”

The workshop consisted of four constructive sessions:

– “Overview of competition policy in health crisis,” by Mr. Robert Anderson (ITC International expert)

– “Overview of the EU’s competition policy and enforcement response to competition and health crises – COVID-19,” by Ms. Hilary Jennings (ITC International expert)

– “Supporting MSMEs during health crises and the role of competition authorities,” by Mr. Somsak Kiatchailak (Commissioner of Trade Competition Comission of Thailand)

– “Taking a pro-competitive stance in the aftermath of COVID-19,” by Mr. Akarapon Houbcharuan, Head of Foreign Affairs Division, TCCT.

EABC is looking forward to further collaboration with the ARISE Plus Thailand project and other stakeholders to cultivate a competitive environment that facilitates sustainable trade growth in Thailand.