Indianized Thailand ready to be India’s gateway to ASEAN

Thai Trade Centre in Mumbai hosted a business forum under the theme "Thailand: Gateway of ASEAN". Special guest speakers highlighted Thailand's strengths as a gateway for Indian businesses into ASEAN region.

Dr. Narongchai Akraseranee, Former Thai Commerce Minister  

At the event on 23 August 2013, Dr. Narongchai Akraseranee, former Commerce Minister of Thailand and current member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Thailand, expressed his confidence in Thailand as the best choice for Indian investors looking to find a platform for doing business in ASEAN.

Dr. Narongchai highlighted the historical links between India and ASEAN, which date back to 4th century A.D. as the reason for India to look to ASEAN. He further emphasized that Thailand still maintains a lot of the Indian traditions making it arguably the most indianized country in the region.

With comprehensive road and air networks with the rest of the ASEAN countries and its strategic location at the heart of Indochina, Thailand is most suitable for Indian investors as a hub for their businesses in the region. (click here for his presentations)

Ambassador of Thailand to India

Also invited to address the gathering of Indian business community in Mumbai was Mr. Pisan Manawapat, Ambassador of Thailand to India.

In his remarks, Ambassador Pisan reaffirmed that Thailand was the most favourable investment destination for India because of the prospering bilateral relations between the two countries.

Thailand's bilateral FTAs as well as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade arrangements put Thailand at the centre of the regional trade and investment architecture.

The forum was concluded by a speech by Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) who confirmed that Thailand was an investor haven and urged Indian businesspeople to consider Thailand as their destination.

Thai performances at the Gala Night

Following the business forum, the Thai Trade Office also organized a Thai Week Gala night serving up Thai food and cultural performances from Thailand. The Thai contemporary musical band Goh Pai and a team of traditional dancers mesmerized the crowd with their extravagant shows.

Praphan Samphaiworakit
29 August 2013