USTDA Assists Thailand’s Fight Against Cancer

The following is a press release from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand. The statements within are their own.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced it awarded a grant to Thailand’s AMATA Corporation Public Company Limited (AMATA) for a feasibility study to develop a regional oncology center in Chonburi Province. USTDA’s assistance will advance AMATA’s and Thailand’s goal of providing access to world-class cancer treatment to hundreds of thousands of people across the Lower Mekong Region.

“Improving access to quality healthcare is one USTDA’s top priorities in Thailand and other emerging economies around the world,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This project will offer significant opportunities for U.S. companies to offer the kinds of highly innovative healthcare technologies that the center will require.”
USTDA’s study will provide AMATA the necessary data and analysis for the phased implementation of a new oncology center that will advance Thailand’s aspiration to be a medical hub in Southeast Asia. The center would be the first part of the broader “Meditown” hub project that AMATA is developing.

“The strong support from USTDA is very timely, as this represents an important milestone toward developing Thailand’s medical and life sciences hub with our strategic partners, namely, the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Science and Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol University. We look forward to working with world-class oncology center partners from the United States, as well,” said Vikrom Kromadit, Chairman of AMATA.

AMATA Chief Investment Officer, Lena Ng, added: “The hub will provide world-class medical services through international collaboration with industry leaders across key areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and research. The United States has excelled globally as a leader in healthcare and life sciences, especially in gene and cell therapy. This study will catalyze our collaboration with leading U.S. oncology service providers to enhance access to breakthrough treatments for cancer patients in Asia.”

Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Gwen Cardno, said: “As the pandemic has shown us, healthcare requires international cooperation at the highest levels, and that’s certainly applicable for cancer treatment. Through USTDA, the U.S. government is proud to work together with Thailand to promote innovative U.S. solutions for cancer treatment to strengthen its health system.”

USTDA’s assistance to AMATA advances one of the key pillars of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which aims to strengthen global health security through investments in patient-centered health services. It also advances Thailand’s 4.0 scheme to revitalize the country’s eastern seaboard, including Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao provinces.

U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for this feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.