Thailand is hopeful that cooperative potential in high-tech industries and a range of government-backed incentives will attract more investment from Chinese companies, said a Thai envoy.
The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing on Wednesday with Thailand as the guest country of honor.
China is a leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand, with Chinese investment in Thailand growing significantly in recent years.
Jirapat Methaseth, minister-counselor of the Royal Thai Embassy in China and director of the Board of Investment of Thailand's Beijing Office, listed Thailand’s advantages for the investment and operation of Chinese companies.
"Thailand's attractiveness stems from several key factors. Firstly, our location at the heart of ASEAN serves as a gateway to the global market through our network of free trade agreements. Secondly, the Thai government offers attractive incentives including tax holiday, import duty-exemptions and investment facilitation. Thirdly, the strong relationship between Thailand and China fosters a sense of familiarity and trust. We see a growing trend of Chinese companies seeking to expand their global footprint, and Thailand offers a stable and competitive base for their regional operations," he said in an interview with China Global Television Network.
Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Methaseth said both sides should further unlock the potential for future cooperation.
"The 50th anniversary is a significant milestone and a testament to the long-lasting bond between our countries. We have seen incredible achievements in trade with China being our largest trading partner for over a decade. For investment, China also has a significant role in Thailand's FDI as we have discussed, and to further unlock potential, we could deepen our cooperation in innovation and high tech industries such as AI, semiconductors and biotechnologies. Thailand is actively promoting these areas and China's strength can boost our growth. And secondly we could foster people-to-people exchanges to continuously strengthen our cultural understanding and lay the groundwork for future cooperation," he said.
Thailand offers preferential measures to attract Chinese companies: envoy
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
