On June 10, 2025, Dr. Kaewkamol (Karen) Pitakdumrongkit, Interim Secretary General of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), participated as a speaker in the hybrid session titled “Digital Trade Interface: When Sound Regulation and Innovative Technologies Produce Economic Payoffs.” The event was co-organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as part of UNESCAP’s Paperless Trade Week, held at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

Dr. Karen highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and public-private collaboration in harmonizing digital trade regulations and ensuring cross-border interoperability. She emphasized that fostering these partnerships can create a valuable feedback loop—enabling governments to stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technologies. Such collaboration helps align public policy objectives with real-world market dynamics.

She also underscored the role of platforms like PECC in bridging diverse stakeholders and facilitating meaningful multi-stakeholder dialogue, which is essential for advancing inclusive and sustainable digital trade frameworks.

(Photo credits: UNESCAP)