Remarks by H.E. Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to India at the Mobile Association Summit 2018, Monday 18 June 2018, Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
As the telecom industry ushered into 5G enabled mobile devices and Make in India Ver 2.0, close to 200 plus mobile brands decided to come together to discuss the key pressing issue of mobile players under the banner of a newly established mobile industry body, The Mobile Association (TMA). The TMA organised the ‘Mobile Device Summit 2018’ on 18 June 2018, on the theme, “Harmonizing Growth of Mobile Devices in India” at India Habitat Centre, in New Delhi. The event was attended by H.E Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to India, representatives from the Department of telecommunications, corporates and various mobile associations.
The Mobile Device Summit 2018 focussed on four important themes: Make in India Version 2.0 (Part-I), Preparing for the 5G Device Ecosystem, Testing Compliances in the New Regime and Mobile Device Security in the Connected World, Make in India Version 2.0 (Part-II).
In his address, during the inaugural session on “Harmonizing Growth of Mobile Devices in India” Ambassador Gongsakdi cited digital technology and Big Data as the new drivers for the Indian and global economies. He said, “Many high-tech algorithms can link and translate information from all sectors into value-added and reliable resources of information. And through smart phones, we all can easily access this information through applications on a mobile’s screen”.
Ambassador Gongsakdi said the growth of the mobile devices business in India reflects the improvement of the quality of life of Indian people and vice versa. He strongly believes that people who work in the mobile phones sector are important enablers in shaping a better future for a New India.
Like India, Thailand is also playing an important role in digital technology and innovation. Thailand’s digitization journey begins with “Thailand 4.0”, derived from Industry 4.0, a developmental model to transform our economy towards a value-based and innovation-driven economy. Ambassador added “through ‘Thailand 4.0’, the Thai government aims to enhance the capacity of technology and innovation in the country by attracting foreign investment through development of the Eastern Economic Corridor or EEC, which is a newly-created special economic zone.”
While ‘Make in India’ is at the heart of the transformation of the Indian economy, ‘Make in Thailand by India’ for India, ASEAN and the world, may also be an option for Indian mobile devices business to achieve its next phase of growth, reemphasized Ambassador Gongsakdi.
In his address, Ambassador Gongsakdi elaborated two reasons why investors should choose Thailand as the investment destination. First, ranked 26th in Ease of Doing Business, Thailand offers a friendly setting for foreign investors. Second, Thailand has a perfect location to be a strategic hub for foreign investors to export their products to the Indo-Pacific and the world.
On the challenges and future of mobile devices, Ambassador Gongsakdi mentioned, “When substantial digital information has been seamlessly connected to all providers and users across borders, the issues of digital security and digital governance of the Digital Economy, domestically and internationally, are yet to be fully understood and clarified.” He stated, “I believe that the Mobile Association can be a strong player to help tackle these challenges to shape a better future of the Digital Economy.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Gongsakdi extended the kind assurance of the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, to assist Indian investors, especially those in the mobile sector, to explore the potential in Thailand through the EEC. Additionally, His Excellency also committed to support Thai businesses in India towards their successful business ventures.
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Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi
23 June 2018
