On 20 May 2025, H.E. Mrs. Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan, assigned Dr. Orathai Phubunlap Gunaseelan, Counsellor, to participate in the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council via online platform and deliver a speech on the topic “Initiatives on Developing Women Entrepreneurship Among CICA Member States: Lessons from Thailand.” In her speech, Dr. Orathai shared Thailand’s experiences in promoting women entrepreneurship, which plays a vital role in the grassroots economy, including concrete policy measures such as the official definition of “women-led SMEs,” the establishment of provincial “WE Centers,” cooperation with international organizations such as AWEN, as well as the development of accessible financial sources for women entrepreneurs.

 

Dr. Orathai’s participation in the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council contributed to advancing Thailand’s role as coordinator and co-coordinator of CICA’s Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) on sustainable development and SME development priority areas. On this occasion, the Embassy also extended an invitation to all CICA Member States to attend the upcoming Seminar on Women’s Role and Contribution to SME Development, to be held in Bangkok from 3 to 7 August 2025. The Seminar will serve as a key platform for knowledge and experience sharing and regional networking in support of women entrepreneurs in the SMEs sector across CICA Member States.