Japanese
Print
  1. Home
  2. News Releases
  3. Back Issues
  4. January FY2025
  5. Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum Held

Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum Held

Japanese

January 16, 2025

External Economic Policy

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and the Bangkok Office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) jointly held the Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum in Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand, as an event to fortify greater Japan-Thailand solidarity through the automotive industry and in preparation for a Japan-Thailand Energy and Industrial Dialogue.

1. Overview

At this forum, public and private stakeholders involved in the automobile industry from Japan and Thailand held speeches before about 700 participants, including those online. Following this, panel discussions were held on four themes.

Prior to the panel discussions, Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, each delivered opening remarks as video messages. The ministers confirmed the historic bonds between the Japanese and Thai automotive industries and also conveyed the need for further cooperation between Japan and Thailand, including the early holding of a Japan-Thailand energy and industrial dialogue, to develop the next-generation automotive industry.

2. Keynote speeches

Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, and Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General, Board of Investment, both delivered keynote speeches as representatives of Japan and Thailand respectively.

Focusing on the theme of “Automotive Industry Policy Dealing with GX and DX,” Vice-Minister Matsuo conveyed two messages to the effect that Japan places the main axis of its strategies for automobiles on a multi-pathway strategy, which is an approach to achieving decarbonization through diverse options, including EVs, FCVs, hybrid vehicles, and the utilization of biofuels and synthetic fuels. He stated that Japan will work together with Thailand to co-create the next-generation automotive industry through the fields of next-generation fuels, data utilization, and a circular economy, and will continue to maintain harmony with Thailand, which is a trusted partner for Japan, and thereby jointly cultivate the future together.

3. Panel discussions

Stakeholders from the two countries participated in panel discussions and engaged in lively dialogues focusing on the following four themes: [i] the strengths and challenges of Thailand as an Asian automobile production/export hub, [ii] the current status and future prospects of the automotive supply chain, [iii] the circular economy and ecosystem, and [iv] the potential of hydrogen, e-fuel, and biofuel.

Related Link

Division in Charge

Automobile Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau

Related website