METI Minister Saito Pays Courtesy Call on H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand

1. Paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Srettha

Minister Saito paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Srettha. The two sides exchanged views on the efforts for future co-creation in the two countries in such fields as creation of future industries and development of human resources.

Regarding the field of energy, Minister Saito mentioned that Japan would like to take the opportunity of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting to work with Thailand to accelerate efforts for energy transition and decarbonization, in order to achieve carbon neutrality.

Also, the two sides exchanged views on ideal approaches to future cooperation to enhance competitiveness in the automobile industry in Thailand, which is a country that Japan has built up supply chains in over time.

2. Attending the Thailand-Japan Investment Forum

Following the courtesy call, Minister Saito, together with Prime Minister Srettha, participated in the Thailand-Japan Investment Forum, and delivered his remarks at the beginning. In his remarks Minister Saito welcomed the strong economic ties between Japan and Thailand, a country in which about 6,000 Japanese companies, the largest number among ASEAN economies, have been developing business. He also mentioned that this year is the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and stated that under the concept of co-creation for creating the future together, Japan will strive to advance the incubation of future industries, including clean energy, next-generation automobiles, AZEC-based decarbonization, and fostering human resources.

Minister Saito also focused on the automobile industry, which is the core of Japan-Thailand economic ties, stating that Japan intends to work with Thailand in building production and export hubs for an internationally competitive next-generation automobile industry.

Division in Charge

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau