On June 7, 2023, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) hosted “The 1st Annual Executive Meeting between TICA and USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) on Strategic Partnership for Development Cooperation in Asia” at The Raweekanlaya Bangkok Wellness and Cuisine Resort.  Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of TICA, chaired the Meeting as a head of Thai delegation and Dr. Steven G. Olive, Mission director of USAID/RDMA attended the Meeting as a head of USAID/RDMA delegation. Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy General-Director of TICA, Ms. Chichanok Malayawong, Director of Development Promotion and Coordination Division of TICA, and relevant officials from TICA and USAID/RDMA were also present at the Meeting.

During the meeting, both sides shared experience and lesson learned from partnership to date, updated on the progress of projects under the Strategic Partnership in various areas of cooperation including public health, environment, digital economy, and human resource development.  The meeting also agreed upon workplan in 2023 and 2024.  In this regard, both sides noted their shared commitment in promoting sustainable development in Lower Mekong Sub-region and will extend to ASEAN member countries, Timor-Leste, and South Asia by tapping on TICA and USAID’s complementary resources and expertise.

In this regard, Director-General of TICA reaffirmed TICA’s commitment to continue working with USAID/RDMA and other partners to drive forward the development agenda and the implementation of the Strategic Partnership and expressed appreciation for USAID/RDMA continued support and partnership. In reply, Dr. Steven G. Olive, Mission director of USAID/RDMA, expressed appreciation on the fact that both sides have jointly pushed forward many of the projects into tangible outcomes and emphasized that the partnership between TICA and USAID/RDAM is a model example of international development partnership.