The Mekong Institute in collaboration with the Khon Kaen Provincial Government has been spearheading silk promotion through organizing silk events since 2013. One of the most tangible outcomes from the international seminar in 2014 was the initiative on “ASEAN Silk Alliance”. Participants have agreed to kick off an initiative on cooperation comprising of both producers and buyers of silk products. It aims to develop silk industry in the region. Representatives from 5 countries namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand – have pledged to continue this project on a voluntary basis. Therefore this year 2015 the Khon Kaen Declaration of “ASEAN Silk Alliance” is aimed to launch as a principle guideline for ASIA silk stakeholders to put into practice.
Introduction on Asia Silk Alliance (ASA)
Background
Rational
Due to the immense response, the event steps into a bigger area with the formation of “ASIA Silk Alliance (ASA)”. The ASIA Silk Alliance (ASA) is led by a core group of corporations from different silk industries, headquartered in diverse countries and with global operations in ASIA. ASA member companies have a combined work force of employees, with direct suppliers and business partners located in over 9 countries in ASIA namely Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, Japan, Thailand and Sri Lanka. ASA’s interrelated activities of work are designed to holistically meet the needs and interests of leading companies in Asia as they seek to meet their responsibility to develop the silk industry. Businesses need to work simultaneously on implementing activities related to Corporate Social Responsibility, building partnerships and knowledge, and tracking policy and legal developments. At the same time, each activities of work have distinct benefits.
Vision
‘Be together a partnership for the success of silk in Asia and committed to helping achieve positive change through constructive engagement with all stakeholders and interest groups that base on unity and trustworthiness as a principle guideline ’
Mission
Bring together and develop ASIA Silk Network among silk stakeholders i.e. producers, suppliers, importer, exporter and customers.
Work as a partnership with each other to help develop silk communities in each region
Responsible and inclusive silk business practices driving product development through green and innovative value chain
Advocate silk business solutions for Asia challenges
Services
Enhance all stakeholders and interest groups to join ‘Asia Silk Strategic Partner Program’ which connects leading companies across Asia who share best practices and challenges in silk business. Partners collaborate on areas of interest and build a network of peers in their industry and beyond. The Asia Silk Strategic Partner Program will provide effective support for sustainability of silk business that create networking and opportunities which help the company go further and faster.
Promote silk products among the group member that aim to expand into the global market
Provide the group member with a space to share, discuss, learn and collaborate. Specific focus is given to impact measurement using tools of business strategies by organizing annual meeting event such as ‘Silk Sector Round Table’, International Seminar or Asia Silk Sector Forum
Anticipate global challenges that effect silk business sector i.e. consumers trends, international economic situations, technology and innovation adaption in order to response promptly to meet the market challenges and demand
Communication Platform
Through the Asiasilkbiz.com, the e-platform for silk alliance network.
E-mails, News-letters
Annual Events
The Declaration
Focus on: Silk Business Improvement and Development
1. All stakeholders are aware of importance and the objectives of Asia Silk Alliance that aim to develop silk business including silk product and quality of each region in Asia.
2. Share a common interest in and commitment to the promotion and increase silk business practices.
2. Identify and maintain the ‘positioning’ as well as initiate value added of silk products and businesses for the group member.
3. Build up ‘market competitiveness’ by increasing business effectiveness and efficiency throughout the value chain.
Focus on: Creating Silk Business Opportunity
4. Create positive atmosphere and business opportunities that will support the group member
5. The group member have right to form business collaboration of their choice on their interests
Focus on: Environment, Social and Local Community Engagement
6. Encourage local communities of each region for silk business development to generate income and effective labor force.
7. The group member should be aware of environmental issues that might cause by silk business sectors i.e. Intensive farming, Land degradation and waste.
8. Promote sustainable communities and issues such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels, supporting local farmers and merchants, encouraging green practices and building.
Do hereby:
1. Unity, Asia Silk stakeholders shall be combined as one.
2. Understand, the group member ensure that they understand clearly about the Khon Kaen Declaration of Asia Silk Alliance.
3. Utilized, the group member commit to the full implementation of the declaration as to promote, develop and enhance the silk sector in Asia
Agreed and proclaim as Khon Kaen Declaration as on 10th September 2015 at Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Represented by:
Cambodia:
Prince Phanuroth Sisowath
China:
Mr. Fei Jianming
India:
Mr. Dilip Barooah
Laos:
Ms. Chanthavong Kommaly
Myanmar:
Ms. Nwe New Htike
Thailand:
Mr. Preetanat Kewcharoenwong
MS. BUSAYA CUNVONG
Vietnam:
Ms. Ly Do Khai
In presence of:
Mr. Kamthorn Thawornsatit
Governor
Provincial Government of Khon Kaen
Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta
Mekong Institute
(GMS Inter Governmental Organization)
