UK smart city firms plan trade mission
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UK smart city firms plan trade mission

Tech Export Academy to boost innovation

TECH
The UK aims to export smart city technology to Thailand.
The UK aims to export smart city technology to Thailand.

The United Kingdom has launched a new tech academy that will give 30 firms involved in smart city solutions the opportunity to undertake a trade mission to Thailand next year.

The nine-month Tech Export Academy programme will provide the 30 British companies a package of support to help them expand their business in Asia-Pacific.

Thailand is a key partner of Britain on digital tech and innovation.

In June, Thailand was announced as a primary market for Britain's US$10.3-million digital trade network in Asia-Pacific, which aims to increase the UK's digital expertise on the ground to nurture partnerships in the region.

Thailand has also been identified as a focal market for the UK Department for International Trade's Tech Export Academy programme.

"There is increasing global demand for smart city technology as we design urban environments that better suit the needs of 21st century life, from transport to energy to residential design," said Graham Stuart, the minister for exports. "It is businesses like these joining the programme today that are working on and discovering the best solutions."

In light of the growing relationship between the department and Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, there will be an opportunity for the companies to visit Thailand on a dedicated trade mission next year.

During the mission, the companies will showcase their expertise, products and services to the Thai market.

Out of 108 companies that applied for the programme across a number of smart city capabilities -- from smart mobility and infrastructure to smart buildings and cybersecurity -- 30 companies were selected to join the programme.

"It is my great honour to deliver a welcome speech to the commencing of the UK Tech Export Academy, a wonderful initiative to strengthen the collaboration between the UK and Asia," said Ajarin Pattanapanchai, the DES permanent secretary. "Both Thailand and the UK have been working together on digital trade policy and networks, especially in the area of smart cities, which is an ecosystem for the development of the sustainable digital economy and society."

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