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AFD Group and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) have reached a significant milestone by signing an amendment authorizing Expertise France to operate in Thailand.
This meeting, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, provided an opportunity to discuss various key topics in the presence of Ms. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director General of TICA, Mr. Philippe Orliange, Executive Director Geographies of AFD, Mr. Jérémie Pellet, General Director of Expertise France, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Marcelli, Regional Director of AFD in Southeast Asia.
At the core of the discussions was the confirmation of the dynamic cooperation between the AFD Group and TICA, initiated during the visit of the Director General of Expertise France in November 2023. The relationship between the two agencies has significantly evolved over the past 18 months, culminating in the signing of a triennial work plan in November 2023, defining areas of bilateral, trilateral, and regional cooperation.
The official recognition of Expertise France as a preferred partner within TICA's Development Partners Executive Club strengthens this fruitful collaboration. The meeting also addressed concrete operational challenges for Expertise France, such as securing the status of personnel, migration and tax issues related to project deployments in Thailand, and tax exemption in accordance with the provisions of the AFD establishment agreement.
The formalization of the partnership between Expertise France and TICA opens the door to enhanced cooperation in several key sectors identified by both agencies, including health, maritime security, cybersecurity, combating human trafficking, digital transition, and biodiversity. These strategic areas reflect mutual commitment to addressing global challenges.
In parallel, AFD will continue to maintain close relations with TICA, especially within the framework of the Development Partners Executive Club. The triennial work plan details subjects of bilateral, trilateral, and regional cooperation, with ongoing projects in areas such as air quality, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and waste management in seas.
This meeting represents a major step in strengthening ties between the AFD Group and TICA. Both parties express their enthusiasm for future collaboration opportunities, aiming to contribute significantly to sustainable development in Thailand and the region.
Press contact : naslinje@afd.fr