Thai-China Business Leaders Expand Trade Investment Cooperation

Thai and Chinese business leaders held a joint meeting to advance trade, investment, and logistics infrastructure cooperation, aiming to strengthen supply chains and create new economic opportunities. Phat Aromwattanaphon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and Narongsak Phutthaprommongkhon, Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, jointly revealed the outcomes of the Thailand-China Business Leaders Exchange. The event was organized through cooperation between the commerce ministries of both countries and the Thailand-China Sustainable Business Coordination and Promotion Mechanism, which consists of three main organizations: the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Industrial and Commercial Association in Thailand. The meeting aimed to promote cooperation and expand economic opportunities between the private sectors of both nations. Twenty-five business representatives and relevant institutions from each country attended to exchange views and strategies for expanding economic cooperation, focusing on three critical areas: trade, investment, and infrastructure and logistics connectivity.

On trade, participants discussed ways to expand trade cooperation and strengthen supply chain resilience between Thailand and China. Shen Jinrong, President of ZC Rubber Thailand, presented strategies to build flexibility in the para rubber supply chain to address global trade changes, including EU environmental regulations, and maximizing benefits from the RCEP agreement. Kraisin Wongsurakiat, Deputy CEO of Chia Meng Noodle Factory Co., Ltd., spoke on food industry cooperation, particularly rice and rice products, to enhance food security, noting that remaining trade regulatory barriers between the two countries require urgent negotiation. Dong Jianping, President of Haier Thailand, explored opportunities to leverage the strengths of both countries to jointly expand the home appliance market overseas. Somchai Wachiragorn, CEO of European Food PLC, shared perspectives on trade and business opportunities at the microeconomic level and mutual understanding of both countries' trade systems.

On investment, leading business representatives from both sides exchanged investment opportunities. Suphachai Chearavanont, Vice Chairman of CP Group, thanked the Chinese government for its continuous support of the company's investments in China. Ke Yubin, General Manager of BYD Thailand, outlined plans to expand cooperation in electric vehicles to support the upgrading of Thailand's automotive industry, noting that the Rayong factory has already produced over 20,000 vehicles. Sarawut Uwitaya, CEO of TCP Group, emphasized promoting two-way investment between Thailand and China through business relationships and cooperation, citing cultural linkage activities such as films, sports competitions, and music festivals as important for building bonds. Ning He, CEO of New Sky Energy (Thai), presented opportunities in new energy and green development, citing Bangkok as a good example. Lim Hua Tiong, CEO of Frasers Property (Thailand), shared perspectives and opportunities for expanding investment between the two countries, noting that both Thai government and private agencies welcome such investment.