U.S. trade agency assisting Thai transition to electric vehicles

 

The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will help Thailand go green. The agency has awarded a grant and will fund technical assistance to Thai conglomerate SCG as it converts its fleet of vehicles to electric models and builds charging stations as part of strategy to decarbonize.

SCG International has selected Kansas-based Black & Veatch Management Consulting to carry out the technical assistance.

“Thailand and the U.S. share a common vision in forging a green economy and sustainable development, particularly through the application of new technologies and innovation,” said Witchu Vejjajiva, Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and related technologies are a priority industry in Thailand, with the government and private sector regarding them as key to creating a more advanced level of development. The Thai government is providing generous incentives to those who invest in the industry and its ecosystem.

“Through our assistance we are also expanding opportunities for U.S. companies to partner with Thailand as it seeks high-quality electric vehicle solutions in support of its climate priorities,” said Enoh Ebong, Acting Director of USTDA.

SCG is Thailand’s oldest private company and the largest building materials conglomerate in the region. Another Thai conglomerate, energy firm PTT recently announced a partnership with Taiwan’s Foxconn to build electric vehicles in Thailand.

“This partnership revolving around the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and its ecosystem in Thailand has strengthened our effort to promote clean energy and green growth. It is our hope that it will serve as a catalyst for further cooperation to advance sustainable economic development in Thailand and the wider Mekong subregion,” Witchu said.

Managing Director of SCG International, Abhijit Datta, said, “SCG International is fully committed to advancing SCG Group’s decarbonization objectives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero transition by 2050. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to USTDA.”

Photo courtesy of https://th.usembassy.gov/