Thailand Pitches Itself as ASEAN's Gateway to 700 Million Consumers

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently held a small-group discussion with leading U.S. business executives on the sidelines of his activities in New York City. He then delivered a keynote speech at a dinner hosted by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The Prime Minister spoke about shifting global dynamics, growing competition and rising trade barriers, and presented Thailand as a reliable partner in uncertain times. He highlighted that Thailand:

∙ Sits at the heart of ASEAN, a gateway to a market of 700 million people
∙ Has trade agreements with many countries and economic zones
∙ Is streamlining the business process with an improved Thailand Fast Pass system
∙ Aims to rank among the world's 20 most competitive economies by 2030

U.S. leaders welcomed the message. Brian McFeeters, President and CEO of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, described Thailand as a long-standing partner and strategic market, and said American businesses are ready to work with the Thai government to pursue new trade and investment opportunities.

Michael DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said the two countries have significant room to expand cooperation in investment, technology, energy and supply chains, particularly in superintelligence technology, which can be applied across many sectors.

The message from both sides was clear: there is room to grow trade, investment and technology cooperation between Thailand and the United States.

Source: PR Thai Government