Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, attended the 2026 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) at the OECD Headquarters in Paris, held under the theme “Getting Industrial Policies Right for Open Markets, Growth and Prosperity.”

The meeting aimed to discuss how industrial policies can support economic growth while preserving open, fair, and sustainable trade and investment systems amid global challenges and economic uncertainty.

The Deputy Prime Minister delivered a statement during the plenary session on “Balancing the Goals and Impacts of Industrial Policy,” highlighting that industrial policy, an important tool for economic development, must evolve beyond supporting individual sectors to encompass human capital development, skills enhancement, lifelong learning, innovation, digital transformation, and green technologies, thereby enabling economy-wide transitions that enhance competitiveness, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable growth.

He emphasized that as supply chains, technology, energy, and investment become increasingly interconnected across borders, deeper regional economic integration is required.

For Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister further underscored that the country's accession process is integral to its broader economic transformation. While accession would help Thailand align with international best practices and strengthen its institutions, Thailand is also ready to contribute its experience to OECD discussions and serve as a bridge between the OECD and emerging economies.