Non-profit groups are urging the government to implement the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy to benefit the grassroots of society after the model was introduced during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) 2022 summit.
On Sunday, the groups held a virtual meeting to discuss BCG model benefits.
Independent researcher Suphalak Kanchanakhundi said he favours the BCG concept, but most people do not know how to participate in a BCG economy. Without clarification, he said Apec will end with commitments from which most people will not benefit.
According to a National Science and Technology Development Agency website, the BCG model focuses on applying science, technology and innovation in four sectors: Agriculture and food; wellness and medicine; energy, materials and biochemicals; and tourism and creative economy in a post-pandemic world.
BCG involves the manufacturing of value-added products with no or minimal impact on the environment, creative industries make use of art and cultural power to create products and services.
Wanan Permpiboon, Climate Watch Thailand coordinator, said climate change will exacerbate the wealth gap, adding people working in agriculture and fishery will face the impact.
Sawit Kaewwan, secretary general of the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation, said the summit is a platform for corporations to network, but the grassroots of society will barely benefit.