What To Know
- Thai Union Group PCL has taken a bold new step in its ongoing mission to transform Thailand’s seafood sector, forming a high-impact partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to deliver a Blue Finance initiative aimed squarely at long-term marine sustainability.
- This is a first for us in Thailand’s private seafood sector—and it opens a path for a more resilient and green future.
Bangkok Companies: Pioneering a Sustainable Wave in Thai Seafood
Thai Union Group PCL has taken a bold new step in its ongoing mission to transform Thailand’s seafood sector, forming a high-impact partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to deliver a Blue Finance initiative aimed squarely at long-term marine sustainability. With Thailand’s marine-based economy contributing nearly 30% to national GDP and employing almost a quarter of the population in 23 coastal provinces, this alliance signals a powerful commitment to safeguarding marine resources while driving economic growth.
Thai Union partners with ADB to launch Blue Finance for marine sustainability in Thailand’s seafood sector
Image Credit: Thai Union
According to this Bangkok Companies news report, the ADB has extended a USD 150 million (approx. THB 5 billion) Blue Loan to Thai Union—marking the first-ever such financing deal involving a private-sector player in Thailand’s seafood industry. The focus of the loan is to support environmentally responsible shrimp farming practices and accelerate the nation’s transition toward a sustainable marine or Blue Economy model.
Strengthening the Blue Economy Through Innovation
Ludovic Garnier, Chief Financial Officer of Thai Union, emphasized that the partnership reinforces Thai Union’s position as a sustainability leader in the global seafood market. “This collaboration with ADB reflects our deep commitment to sustainable seafood sourcing and responsible aquaculture,” Garnier stated. “It represents a key milestone in our journey toward strengthening Thailand’s marine economy while creating lasting positive impact.”
This financing supports shrimp farming operations that meet rigorous international sustainability benchmarks, including certifications from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), as well as aquaculture improvement programs (AIPs). The funding is set to enhance transparency, promote traceability of shrimp feed sources, and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions via renewable energy integration, optimized feed conversion, and anti-deforestation practices.
A Model for Regional Marine Responsibility
The ADB hailed this initiative as a model for regional economic transformation. “Aquaculture now accounts for more than half of the world’s seafood, with Asia as a major production hub,” said Mr. Anuch Metha, Director of the ADB Representative Office. “Through this partnership, blue finance becomes a tangible mechanism for climate resilience and sustainable industry growth. This is a first for us in Thailand’s private seafood sector—and it opens a path for a more resilient and green future.”
Thai Union’s commitment is further solidified through its SeaChange® 2030 strategy, which guides the company’s long-term vision for social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and industry transparency. Adam Brennan, the firm’s Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, stressed that the company will continue leading through innovation and sustainability-driven business transformation, thanks to this vital financial backing from ADB.
Uniting Public and Private Forces
The announcement also featured a seminar showcasing collaborative insights between Thai Union and six major commercial banks—Bank of China, HSBC, MUFG, OCBC, SMBC, and UOB—on how financial tools can fuel sustainable business within the Blue Economy.
By leveraging such cross-sectoral partnerships and aligning with global sustainability standards, Thai Union is demonstrating how financial innovation can protect livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and fuel economic advancement. Thailand’s marine sustainability movement is no longer theoretical—it is happening now, backed by billion-baht investments and a united front of stakeholders committed to ecological and economic longevity.
The ongoing synergy between Thai Union and ADB is expected to drive systemic improvements across seafood supply chains, making Thailand a blueprint for other coastal economies across Asia and beyond. With financial muscle, innovation, and accountability aligned, the future of sustainable seafood production in the region looks stronger than ever.
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