Minister Nishimura Visits Thailand

1. Meeting with H.E. Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy

During the meeting, they exchanged views on future cooperation in the energy sector toward carbon neutrality, the creation of collaborative projects between companies in Japan and Thailand, and other topics. Minister Nishimura expressed that he would like to cooperate toward achieving the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) concept, and both sides agreed to promote cooperation.

Both Ministers also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) that covered matters including joint investment and cooperation in emergency situations in the LNG sector.

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2. Meeting with H.E. Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the importance of human resource development in promoting the digitalization of Thai manufacturing industries, and initiatives based on the ASIA-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative such as the promotion of investment projects by Japanese companies. Immediately after the meeting, both Ministers attended the Japan-Thailand Collaboration on Enhancement of Industry DX, a seminar co-hosted by the governments of Japan and Thailand, and exchanged documents on the Cooperation Framework on Human Resource Development for Realizing Industry 4.0.

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After exchanging documents, the Minister visited METALEX (Machine Tools & Metalworking Exhibition), one of the largest exhibitions related to manufacturing and processing industries in Southeast Asia, and exchanged views with exhibitors including those from the JETRO Pavilion.

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3. Meeting with Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of CP (Charoen Pokphand) Group

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on topics such as the CP Group, which is working on projects in cooperation with various Japanese companies, and on strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors in Japan and Thailand in various areas with a view toward developing economic relations between Japan and Thailand and between Japan and ASEAN.

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4. Meeting with Mr. Vikrom Kromadit, Chairman of Amata Corporation

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on topics such as the potential for collaborations between Japanese companies and Amata Corporation, which is developing industrial townships in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and other countries, and on future efforts to deepen economic relations between Japan and Thailand.

5. Attending Rock Thailand

Minister Nishimura participated in a pitch event aimed at matching businesses between Japanese startups and Thai conglomerates. He gave opening remarks in which he said that it is important to promote co-creation between Japanese startups and ASEAN conglomerates that have new ideas and deep technology to solve various social issues, and to expand the circle of growth not only in Thailand but also in ASEAN countries.

Rock Thailand is an event that focuses on the BCG Economy Model, one of themes of APEC "open connect, balance," and features pitches by innovative startups from various fields including medicine, healthcare, decarbonization, biotechnology, DX, and urban development. There were also reverse pitches by CVC (corporate venture capital) funds of Thai state-owned companies and conglomerates showcasing seeds that conglomerates and others were pursuing.

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6. Meeting with young entrepreneurs under Thai conglomerates from the next generation

At Rock Thailand, Minister Nishimura exchanged opinions with young entrepreneurs from the next generation who had founded businesses under Thai conglomerates.

(Reference) Participants:  *Ages as of Nov 16

Mr. Chai Chaiyawan (65), Thai Life Insurance Group
Mr. Soopakij Chearavanont (59), CP Group
Mr. Verajet Vongkusolkit (57), Mitr Phol Group
Mr. Suphachai Cheravanont (56), CP Group
Mr. Chanavat Uahwatanasakul (50), Central Group
Mr. Niti Osathanugrah (48), Osotspa Group
Mr. Aswin Techajareonvikul (46), BJC Group
Mr. Thitipoom Chokwatana (46), Saha Group
Mr. Nattavut Trivisvavet (42), CH.Karnchang Group
Mr. Parithad Petampai (40), Muangthai Group
Mr. Gavin Vongkusolkit (39), Erawan Group
Mr. Kunayudh Dej-udom (36), Central Group
Mr. Chanond Sophonpanich (29), Bangkok Bank Group

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Division in Charge

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau