Nonthaburi: The Prime Minister opened the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026, emphasizing cooperation for the economy of the future. The Expo underscores the strengthening of ties in investment, technology, and innovation between Thailand and China to enhance the economic potential of both nations. The event also focuses on facilitating investment and improving government system transparency, with highlights on AI technology, humanoid robots, and a Thai-Chinese business matching platform.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led the opening ceremony at Challenger Hall 2, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani. Attendees included Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi. The Prime Minister noted that the event occurs amidst global economic challenges, with many countries seeking cooperation with potential partners. The longstanding partnership between Thailand and China, spanning over 50 years of diplomatic relations, provides a solid foundation for expanding cooperation across all dimensions.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Charg© d'affaires of the People's Republic of China to Thailand, for acknowledging his performance of the Chinese song "Tian Mi Mi" during his official visit to China, lightheartedly addressing any doubts about its appropriateness with laughter and applause from the audience.
During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted China's focus on research and development, positioning itself as a leader in AI, robotics, and high-tech industries. He emphasized the need for Thailand to accelerate cooperation to leverage knowledge, technology, and innovation, enhancing the country's competitiveness. He stressed that technology transfer involves collaboration among researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs from both countries, fostering joint research and development, and establishing business partnerships to develop Thailand's supply chain and open opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in future technology industries.
Further, the Prime Minister mentioned that Chinese investment would bring capital and employment to Thailand, develop Thai workers' skills, and strengthen the industrial ecosystem. He assured that the government is ready to support beneficial investments through the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Thailand FastPass measure, minimizing unnecessary procedures. He emphasized transparency in agency operations to prevent bureaucratic hurdles or corruption from affecting private sector investment. He assured investors of the country's readiness to welcome investment, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), ensuring infrastructure support for future industries and investor confidence and safety.
Mr. Wu Zhiwu stated that the Prime Minister's visit to China resulted in a significant consensus with Chinese leaders to enhance bilateral cooperation. He emphasized China's commitment to prioritizing relations with Thailand, presenting itself as a reliable strategic partner. He added that the Expo would serve as a crucial platform for linking government and business sectors from both countries, promoting cooperation in industry, research and development, and supporting SMEs to connect with regional and global supply and value chains, thereby strengthening the mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce, stated that the Expo, under the theme "Investing for the Future, Growing Together," aims to transform the event into a platform for connecting trade, investment, technology, innovation, and human resource development. The Expo sees participation from over 270 Thai and Chinese companies, with more than 670 booths covering 20,000 square meters. Key activities include displays of humanoid robots and AI technology, B2B matching, investment consultation centers, job opportunities, and guidance on studying at leading Chinese universities, offering scholarships to promote concrete economic cooperation, investment, and human resource development.