Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand's Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on July 20 that the country had secured agreements with four leading Chinese technology companies to expand their investments in Thailand, with a combined value of around 70 billion THB (approximately 2.15 billion USD), during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to China.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led Thailand's team on a roadshow to attract investment in Chengdu, China. They held in-depth one-on-one negotiations with four top-tier Chinese companies in electric vehicles (EV) and advanced technology, namely Changan Automobile, InnoLight Technology, Huawei Technologies và Eoptolink Technology, achieving great success.
A key factor is geopolitical conflicts acting like a tailwind, accelerating capital relocation from China to ASEAN, with Thailand as a prime target. This phenomenon represents a new wave of investment comparable to the 1980s when Japanese capital flocked to establish production bases in the Eastern Seaboard, ushering in a golden era, the minister said.
However, this time the shift is toward future industries such as AI technology, electric vehicles, and intelligent robotics.
Ekniti emphasised a new strategy to accelerate investment called "BOI to IPO," designed to fast-track foreign technology companies with rapid growth to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The attraction of leading Chinese technology companies is expected to strengthen Thailand's high-tech manufacturing capabilities while reinforcing its ambition to become a regional industrial and technology hub.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid an official visit to China from July 16-20 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During the visit, the PM held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li, and attended the World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference. The two sides agreed to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and strengthen cooperation in investment, technology, the digital economy, security, and the fight against transnational crime, as they look ahead to the 50th anniversary of Thailand–China diplomatic relations in 2027./.
