Ekniti promotes digital infrastructure financing and Thailand’s OECD bid at APEC
Ekniti Nitithanprapas joins APEC finance talks in Hong Kong, focusing on digital infrastructure funding, Thailand’s OECD bid and World Bank ties.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas joined the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Hong Kong on Tuesday (October 20), with digital infrastructure financing and Thailand’s bid to join the OECD among the key issues on his agenda.
The meeting is being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the 2026 APEC programme. Hong Kong authorities have identified digital infrastructure financing as one of the main topics under discussion by finance ministers from the 21 APEC economies.
Ekniti took part in a working luncheon between APEC finance ministers and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), where discussions focused on mobilising finance for digital infrastructure.
The issue forms part of a broader APEC agenda examining how investment in technology and digital infrastructure can support productivity and economic development. Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan also stressed at the meeting that technological advances require sustained investment in digital infrastructure, skills and business readiness.
Thailand reinforces OECD membership commitment
On the sidelines of the meeting, Ekniti held bilateral talks with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann on Thailand’s readiness and commitment to becoming a member of the organisation.
Thailand formally began its OECD accession process in 2024 and is now undergoing technical reviews of its laws, policies and practices. Cormann said in Bangkok earlier this month that 25 OECD committees were working with Thailand as part of the accession process.
Ekniti also met Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group.
Donohoe praised Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Bangkok and discussed with Ekniti possible areas for further cooperation between Thailand and the World Bank Group.
The Bangkok meetings were held from October 12-18 and brought together international policymakers and financial institutions before Ekniti travelled to Hong Kong for the APEC finance gathering.
