CEA Signs MOU with ASI, Elevating Thai-Russian Creative Industry Cooperation onto Global Stage
The Creative Economy Agency (CEA), as the key institution driving Thailand’s creative economy on the international stage, continues to expand its global partnerships to unlock new business opportunities for Thai creative industries. In its latest strategic endeavor, the CEA has formalized its collaboration with Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the inaugural formal partnership between the two organizations. This agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and advance the creative industries of both countries.
Held on February 9th, 2025, as part of Bangkok Design Week 2025 (BKKDW2025) at the Grand Postal Building in Bang Rak, the signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Chakrit Pichyangkul, Executive Director of CEA and Ms. Ekaterina Cherkes-Zade, Director of the Centre for Creative Economy Development, ASI. Also in attendance as witnesses were Ms. Ludmila Stepnova, International Projects Manager at the Centre for Creative Economy Development; Ms. Olga Lobanova, Third Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Thailand; and Mr. Pichit Virankabutra, Deputy Executive Director of CEA.
From City Level Engagement to National Level Collaboration:
Strengthening Thai-Russian Creative Industry Relations Since 2022, the CEA has actively promoted the Thai creative industries through city-level collaborations, particularly with the Moscow government via the Agency of Creative Industries (ACI), its dedicated office for creative economy initiatives. The ACI played a pivotal role in showcasing Russian creative expertise at Chiang Mai Design Week 2022 and Bangkok Design Week 2023. Furthering these engagements, the CEA participated in Russian Creative Week: Moscow Fest at Gorky Park from July 3rd – 9th, 2023, where Thai creative talents spanning handicrafts, animation, film, and gaming were prominently featured at the Thailand Pavilion for the first time. This collaboration led to the signing of an MOU between the CEA and ACI in early 2024, establishing a structured framework for sustained cooperation in Thailand and Russia’s creative sectors. Reinforcing this commitment, the CEA, in partnership with the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, organized the Creative House by CEA initiative at the Thai Festival Moscow 2024, held from August 2nd – 4th, 2024, at Hermitage Garden in Moscow.
Building on the foundation of these city-level collaborations, 2025 marks a significant transition towards national-level cooperation. The signing of the MOU between the CEA and ASI not only signifies an extended commitment to fostering creative industry relations between Thailand and Russia but also serves as a testament to both organizations' shared vision for sustainable sectoral growth. The agreement is expected to facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange, expand business opportunities, and support joint initiatives, which will contribute to the continued development of both countries’ creative economies.
Posted in news-en on ก.พ. 10, 2025