Thailand wins U.S. grant to build supply chain resilience


Thailand won global praise for keeping its supply chains mostly up and running during the pandemic, and now the Kingdom’s Ministry of Transport has secured a grant from the U.S. for technical assistance to make its supply chains even more resilient.
 
For many industries around the world, Thailand’s manufacturers were a lifesaver during the public health measures many governments imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the Thai government halt tourist arrivals, and adopted distancing measures and restrictions on some movements, it also made a point of supporting manufacturers to keep delivering to global customers. Now, with thew country completely open, Thailand hopes to further strengthen its manufacturing and logistics.
 
Aside from strengthening Thailand’s supply chain network, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) also awarded the grant to advance the decarbonization of the Kingdom’s freight transportation system.
 
The USTDA’s assistance will support the development of intermodal and logistics infrastructure that facilitates the shift of freight transportation from road to rail, the agency said.
 
“This project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve road safety, and increase the efficiency of Thailand’s transportation infrastructure,” said USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong.
 
“Our partnership with the Ministry of Transport will support Thailand’s efforts to establish itself as a regional transportation and logistics hub, and provide opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in one of Southeast Asia’s most significant clean transportation initiatives,” added Enoh.
 
Thailand’s Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob agreed. “The Ministry of Transport is promoting intermodal and logistics systems to efficiently utilize all modes of transport in order to develop Thailand into a regional transportation hub. This project will be a crucial step in achieving our success,” said Minister Saksayam.
 
Photo courtesy of https://th.usembassy.gov/ustda-promotes-supply-chain-resilience-in-thailand/