The 16th IMT-GT Strategic Planning Meeting (SPM) was recently held from 20th – 21st March, in Bangkok, Thailand. Chaired and hosted by Thailand, the meeting was attended by Hon. Dr. Wanchat Suwankitti, Deputy Secretary General from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Hon. Dr. Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Minister for International Economic Cooperation from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Hon. Alfredo Perdiguero, Director Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, Southeast Asia Department from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Hon. Dr. Thuttai Keeratipongpaiboon, Director of International Strategy and Coordination Division from NESDC, Hon. Dr. Mohd Shaharin Bin Umar, Director, Regional Development Division from Ministry of Economy of Malaysia, Hon. Mrs. Netty Muharni, Assistant Deputy Minister for Regional and Sub Regional Economic Cooperation from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia and Hon. Mr Firdaus Dahlan, Director of the Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Subregional Cooperation (CIMT). The head of delegates of each of the Working Groups (WGs) under the IMT-GT Strategic Pillars, University Network (UNINET) and Joint Business Council (JBC) were also present, contributing to the productive and insightful discussions.
During the 16th SPM, convergence meetings on the IMT-GT Visit Year 2023-2025 and Palm Oil Cooperation were also held, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the work plan and way forward of these two important programmes. The head of delegates of each of the Working Groups (WGs), University Network (UNINET) and Joint Business Council (JBC) also had the opportunity to update the the WGs’ work plan for the year ahead, as well as the new initiatives that will be included under the new IMT-GT Implementation Blueprint (IB) 2022-2026. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss collaborative efforts for the betterment of the subregion. In addition, the meeting was also briefed on the preparation for the highly anticipated IMT-GT Summit, scheduled to take place in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on 11th May 2023. With the clock ticking closer, the participants were updated on the latest preparations and arrangements, ensuring that the event will be a success in driving the IMT-GT’s agenda for subregional growth and prosperity.
