This public forum was about the US-China trade war, focusing on local implications. Speakers alluded to growing risks to regional value chains and supply chains. Dr Supavud Saicheua said the US may want to prevent Beijing's "China 2025" goal and to undercut China's tech supremacy.

Dr Pavida Pananond noted that the affected trade is not just final goods but also intermediate goods. This means trade war will affect global value chains and regional production networks.

Ms Pimchanok Vonkornporn suggested that Thailand had a favourable geography but there is a limit to it. Surviving the trade war means diversified markets and products and address challenges on technology, human capital, regulatory efficiency, and infrastructure.

Dr Don Nakornthap said global trade may slow down depending on how long trade war lasts. Thailand must keep its exchange rate flexible in case it is needed to boost exports in view of adverse trade conditions.