Sureta said major companies are keen on biofuels, green packaging, AI and electric vehicles.
Publication date: May 23, 2024 19:59
Prime Minister Sureta Tavisin held a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday after meeting with executives from five major Japanese companies during her visit to Japan. (Photo: Royal Thai Government)
Prime Minister Sretta Tabisin said on Thursday several Japanese companies have expressed interest in expanding their manufacturing bases and investing in Thailand in areas such as biofuel production, green packaging, artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles.
He made the comments after meeting with executives in Tokyo as part of his official visit to Japan, which ends on Friday.
Mitsui & Co. has expressed its intention to increase investment in Thailand, particularly in the area of clean energy production, Suletta said. He assured the company that the Thai government is accelerating the update of the national energy plan, which will make it easier for international companies interested in investing in Thailand.
Mitsui was quoted as saying that its interest in biofuels and clean energy in Thailand was inspired by a Thai government investment roadshow held in Japan last December.
The prime minister also discussed energy exploration, healthcare and green packaging with Mitsui executives, government officials said.
Meanwhile, Sony briefed Sretta about its plans to open a fourth factory in Bangkadi Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani province to manufacture semiconductor lasers for computer hard disk drives and image sensors for vehicles.
Sony also expressed confidence in Thailand's policies and ability to support increased investment in AI technology and other high-tech products.
The prime minister also met with executives from Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Japan's largest bank and the main shareholder of Thailand's Bank of Ayutthaya, and high-tech investment holding company SoftBank.
According to reports, the two companies said they are ready to work with the Thai government and the Board of Investment to encourage more Japanese companies to consider relocating their production bases from countries with geopolitical risks to Thailand, which has demonstrated geopolitical neutrality.
Meanwhile, Nidec briefed Mr. Thretta on its plans to expand investment in Thailand to produce new AI-enabled products.
Sletta also asked the company to consider further investment in producing EV parts, a key industrial sector promoted by the Thai government.
Japanese seasoning maker Ajinomoto has announced its intention to expand investment in Thailand and continue supporting the development of high-quality cassava, which is used as the main ingredient in the company's seasonings.
