8-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up for an investment roadshow during his upcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly in New York from September 18 to 24. To lay the groundwork for this crucial mission, Mr. Srettha met with Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BoI), to strategize on attracting foreign investors while in the United States.
Recognizing that it typically takes two to three years for foreign investments to yield results, Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the urgency of his government’s actions. His upcoming trip is viewed as a golden opportunity to present Thailand’s investment potential to global business leaders.
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of the information provided by the BoI, stressing its role in expediting foreign investments in Thailand. He pledged to actively promote and support investment initiatives that are in the best interest of the country.
As part of a five-year plan set to commence this year, the BoI aims to encourage investments in high technology, environmentally friendly and smart industries, as well as businesses driven by creativity and innovation. These sectors are believed to be the driving force behind a new wave of economic advancement and heightened competitiveness.
From 2018 to June this year, the BoI has already given the green light to foreign investment projects worth a staggering 1.8 trillion baht. The top three industries benefiting from these investments are electronics, petrochemicals, and automobiles and parts.
Currently, six investment projects with a total value of 29.8 billion baht are awaiting BoI approval, while 21 others are undergoing scrutiny in accordance with the Competitiveness Enhancement Act.
In the midst of preparations for this crucial roadshow, US Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Srettha to extend congratulations on his appointment. Ambassador Godec expressed his anticipation of strengthening bilateral relations between the US and Thailand. In response, Prime Minister Srettha conveyed his hopes of meeting US President Joe Biden during the UN meeting.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various domains, with a particular focus on trade, investment, and addressing climate change for mutual benefit. The meeting also saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Foreign Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol, and Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General of the Prime Minister.
Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree, a member of Prime Minister Srettha’s delegation to the UN meeting, emphasized the ministry’s immediate task of bolstering international confidence in Thailand.
