Firm net zero impression made at Global Cement and Concrete Association conference in Bangkok

The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), in collaboration with the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), 3-7 June, hosted the GCCA CEO Gathering and Leader Conference 2024, the first cement and concrete industry summit in Thailand. Thailand’s minister of industry, H.E. Miss Pimphattra Wichaikul, presided over the conference, which drew 200 CEOs and leaders from the world’s leading cement and concrete manufacturers around the globe. “Thailand is one of the first countries in the world with a credible national roadmap for delivering on the cement industry’s Net Zero Emission. Key to success is innovation, cross-sectorial co-operation, strong leadership with clear targets and international collaboration to drive policy and implementation. I would like to congratulate the cement industry – GCCA and TCMA on the collaboration and the CAD$8m green fund from the government of Canada, facilitated through UNIDO to support crucial projects and researches on decarbonising the cement industry in Thailand and across Asia. This is a significant step forward,” the minister said. Dr Chana Poomee, chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association described this first green fund delivered to the Thai cement industry as “a crucial stepping stone which elevates the position and potential of TCMA and Thai cement producer members. TCMA is ready to collaborate with all sectors, including UNIDO’s global network of experts, to realise the Net Zero goal as outlined in the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.” Thomas Guillot, GCCA CEO added: “Despite our industry’s efforts, challenges remain if we are to reach our shared goal of net zero concrete, including policy and procurement issues. We welcome the support of organisations through UNIDO. Only by working together will we be able to deliver on our global commitment to deliver net-zero concrete.”