Bangkok: Chana Phoomi has been re-elected to the board of the World Cement and Concrete Association for a second term, continuing his mission to connect green capital and drive global cooperation towards achieving the Net Zero 2050 goal.
According to Thai News Agency, amidst the global trend of accelerating sustainability measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the cement industry plays a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Dr. Chana Phoomi, President of the Thai Cement Industry Association (TCMA), has been entrusted by member countries to continue his service as a board member of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). This election highlights Thailand's leadership in sustainability on the international stage and reflects the confidence of industry CEOs worldwide in Thailand's potential to promote collaboration on carbon reduction.
Dr. Chana is committed to continuing the 'Green Transition' mission by linking green finance with low-carbon technologies in the industrial sector. Given GCCA's role as a key driver of the global cement and concrete industry, Thailand's representation in this global organization is a positive step towards enhancing regional capabilities and progress towards the Net Zero 2050 goal. This role provides Thailand with access to essential knowledge, technology, and green funding necessary for industrial transformation towards Net Zero 2050. It also empowers the Thai industrial sector to adhere to stringent international environmental regulations through a global network of cooperation, involving organizations such as UNIDO, the World Economic Forum, the Asian Development Bank, and GIZ. These organizations are crucial in promoting clean energy technologies, carbon capture-utilization-storage (CCUS) technologies, and pilot projects for carbon reduction.
Current sustainability challenges, including carbon emission reduction, clean innovations, and access to green capital, are crucial for a country's long-term competitiveness. Attracting green investment and fostering global collaboration is essential. Strategic collaboration with global organizations aiming to reduce carbon emissions is important for Thai industries. This collaboration serves as a connection between the world, ASEAN, and Thailand, helping the Thai cement industry reduce carbon emissions efficiently and enhance the country's long-term competitiveness through a 'green transition.'
In addition to his global roles, Dr. Chana has held strategic positions including President of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, and Chairman of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM). He serves as a key mechanism for connecting Thailand, ASEAN, and the global arena. Recent achievements include the development of the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, making Thailand the first country to have a roadmap for the cement industry towards Net Zero 2050. The collaboration of eight ASEAN cement-producing countries in announcing the 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap also enhances carbon reduction across the region. Furthermore, the development of the Saraburi Sandbox, a low-carbon city model, operates as a Public-Private-People Partnership, driving tangible participation from all sectors.
Dr. Chana states that his continued role at GCCA is a significant opportunity to connect collaboration, technology, and green capital from the global stage to Thailand and ASEAN. This will accelerate the transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy and enhance the long-term competitiveness of Thai industries. While progress has been made, close collaboration and faster, more effective action are still needed to achieve the Net Zero 2050 goal. By working with a Collaborative Mindset - Action - Value, and expanding global collaboration back to Thailand, the country aims to become a regional leader in sustainable low-carbon futures.