Gujarati CM Narendra Modi Welcomes Thai Investors

After a 6-day visit to Gujarat, Team Thailand found an enormous opportunity for Thai investors to join hands with Gujarati in contributing to the development of the State, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure construction, aqua-culture & agro business, housing and tourism.

Ambassador Pisan Manawapat, Mr.Tomwit Jarnson, Thai Consul General in Mumbai, Mr. Adul Chotinisakorn, Executive Director of Thai Trade Centre in Mumbai, along with Embassy and Consulate-General officials, visited Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad in Gujarat on 13-18 May 2012 to explore business opportunity for the Thai private sector.

Team Thailand experienced with their own eyes the vitality and opportunities of Gujarat by visiting and meeting with executives of top companies in Gujarat such as Tata Nano, Amul, Cadila and Bombadier, as well as meeting with the Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, who drew attention to two mega projects, namely the Sabarmati River Front Development and BRTS. The Thai Ambassador stated that Gujarat presents an opportunity not to be missed for Thai businessmen, in view of its unbeatable investment support facilities, notably the emphasis on providing uninterrupted electricity and its investment facilitation, including land acquisition, through an efficient single-window service.

"The Thai Embassy will be an unpaid advocate for the Government of Gujarat to promote the State among Thai business people and travelers," the Thai Ambassador declared at a meeting with Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat's Chief Minister, on May 18. He also announced his intention to hold a one-day seminar featuring Gujarat for Thai businesses in Bangkok later this year in September.

The Thai Ambassador further informed the Chief Minister that Thai Airways would explore the possibility of operating direct flight between Bangkok-Ahmedabad, which would help promoting Buddhist tourism circuit in Gujarat among Thai pilgrims. The Ambassador also submitted a list of "wish-list" of business opportunities between Thailand and Gujarat (read more here).

The Chief Minister invited a delegation of Thai businessmen to visit Gujarat and affirmed that he would be happy to render full support to Thai investors. This generous invitation was graciously accepted by the Thai Ambassador.

Sasirit Tangulrat

22 May 2012