Under Secretary Lago to Attend APEC SME Ministerial in Thailand

WASHINGTON - Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago will travel to Thailand Sept. 9–12 to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting in Phuket and to open the 2022 APEC Business Ethics for SMEs Forum in Bangkok.

Under Secretary Lago’s participation in the SME Ministerial Meeting presents an opportunity for the United States to partner with APEC economies to advance key priorities, such as promoting the adoption of bio-circular-green practices among SMEs to transition to a low-carbon future, accelerating SME cross-border trade by harnessing digital technologies, and bolstering SME competitiveness and resiliency through adherence to high-standard ethical business practices. At the same time, the meetings lay the groundwork for the 2023 APEC SME Ministerial, which the U.S. Department of Commerce will host.

While in Thailand, Under Secretary Lago will also deliver keynote remarks in Bangkok at the 2022 APEC Business Ethics for SMEs Forum, an APEC event organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce in collaboration with industry partners. The Forum convenes diverse health sector stakeholders to strengthen ethical business practices in the medical device and biopharmaceutical industries to support long-term economic growth in the APEC region. During her time in Bangkok, Under Secretary Lago will also meet with Thai officials to advance U.S.-Thailand commercial relations—especially with respect to the energy and telecommunication sectors—as well as American and Thai business and labor leaders.

Media representatives interested in attending the Under Secretary’s keynote remarks at the APEC Business Ethics for SMEs Forum on Sept. 12 should email pressbkk@state.gov for logistic information.

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