Taiwan-Thailand Q1 Trade Hits Record High as Investment Expansion Accelerates
Taiwan-Thailand bilateral trade surged 47.8% year-over-year in Q1 2025 to reach record levels, driven by expanded recruitment, tech training programs, and manufacturing partnerships across Thailand's regions.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs revealed that Taiwan-Thailand bilateral trade in Q1 2025 increased significantly by 47.8% year-over-year, setting an all-time record. This demonstrates Taiwan's importance as an indispensable partner for Thailand in advancing industrial upgrading and developing advanced technology talent.
Taiwan's Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand has launched the Taiwan-Thailand Tech Talent Service Platform since late 2024, with concrete progress in Q1 2025 including:
1. Campus recruitment expansion: The office partnered with Taiwan businesses to conduct recruitment activities in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Chachoengsao, reaching approximately 3,000 students.
2. Regional technology transfer: Taiwan established specialized curriculum programs and the Taiwan International Personnel Cooperation and Exchange Center in Thailand's northern and northeastern regions, expanding professional development courses beyond Bangkok to provide Thai youth nationwide access to Taiwan's vocational training.
3. Industry linkage initiatives: The office facilitated connections between the PCB (printed circuit board) industry and Thai industrial parks to enhance employment matching and enable graduates to secure jobs immediately upon completion.
Economic collaboration: Taiwan ranks as Thailand's 4th trade partner and 6th foreign investment source. In 2024, Taiwan invested in 131 projects worth 27.35 billion baht, primarily in electronics, ICT, and PCB manufacturing.
Education: Over 2,000 Thai students studied in Taiwan in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023, reflecting growing appreciation for Taiwan's educational quality and internship opportunities.
Peter Lan, Director-General of Taiwan's Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, stated that Taiwan-Thailand cooperation has evolved from traditional manufacturing to AI and smart technology. Taiwan aims to develop Thailand's local talent through comprehensive services rather than focusing solely on trade and investment. Taiwan seeks to encourage more potential Thai youth to join "Team Taiwan" as part of this collaborative effort.
