GULF ANALYTICA had an insightful discussion on July 21, 2022, in Bangkok with Dr. Pun-Arj Chairatana, Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA) of Thailand. The NIA, appointed by the Thai government, plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and supporting start-ups across various sectors to drive the growth of the Thai economy.

Gulf Analytica: During the discussion, the focus was on exploring potential collaborations between Thai and GCC entrepreneurs in numerous sectors, highlighting the NIA's achievements in the medical, fintech, and health tech sectors.

Gulf Analytica: A significant portion of the conversation centered around the agricultural sector and the promising opportunities for cooperation in agritech start-ups. Given the GCC's emphasis on food security and Thailand's abundant resources such as fertile soil, freshwater, and biodiversity, the agricultural sector holds immense potential for collaboration.

Gulf Analytica: Thailand has long relied on agriculture as a vital pillar of its economy, being a major exporter of products like rice, cassava, meat, and poultry. In the field of agritech, Thailand is currently focused on agricultural biotechnology, farm robotics/mechanization, farm management software, novel farming systems (e.g., vertical farming), and post-harvest logistics. Efforts are also underway to establish agricultural digital marketplaces for farmers and develop e-grocery platforms to facilitate efficient distribution.