Thai PM to Visit Indonesia After 15 Years to Boost Trade and Investment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to make an official visit to the Republic of Indonesia from August 3-4, 2024. This marks the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Indonesia in 15 years. The visit aims to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries and foster concrete projects and cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, security, food security, energy, education, and inter-business collaboration. According to the Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, Indonesia is the largest economy and most populous country in ASEAN, with 280 million people, making it a significant market, an important investment destination, and a potential partner for Thai entrepreneurs. Strengthening bilateral relations is expected to open more opportunities for Thai products and services to enter the Indonesian market, link supply chains, promote mutual investment, and create new opportunities for both large and small and medium-sized Thai enterprises. The Thai government aims for its foreign visits to bring tangible benefits to the people, such as expanding markets for agricultural and food products, increasing tourist numbers, creating jobs, developing labor skills, and exchanging knowledge and technology in areas where both countries have potential. The Spokesperson stated, "This visit is not just about strengthening friendship between leaders, but about transforming good relations into opportunities for trade, investment, and income generation. The government wants foreign affairs to be a tool for strengthening the economy and tangibly improving the quality of life for the people." Beyond bilateral aspects, Thailand and Indonesia are founding members of ASEAN and play crucial roles in shaping the region's direction. The discussions will provide an opportunity for the leaders to jointly push for ASEAN's unity, strength, and its ability to effectively respond to global economic changes, transnational crime, and geopolitical situations. They will exchange approaches to promote cooperation in economics, security, regional connectivity, food, energy, and sustainable development, as well as create an environment conducive to business operations, ensuring ASEAN remains a region of peace, stability, and economic opportunity for all its peoples. The visit also serves as a significant platform for the Prime Minister to announce Thailand's foreign policy vision at the ASEAN Secretariat, demonstrating Thailand's role in co-shaping the region's future and preparing for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2028. The vision will focus on building an ASEAN that is united, economically resilient, people-centric, and grows in a balanced and sustainable manner. The Spokesperson added that this mission reflects the government's forward-looking foreign policy approach, which goes beyond ceremonial visits to build strategic alliances, maintain a balance in international relations, and enhance Thailand's economic bargaining power amidst global competition and uncertainty. Key activities include an official welcoming ceremony, small group and plenary discussions between the leaders, and a joint press conference at the Indonesian Presidential Palace on August 3. On August 4, the Prime Minister will attend the opening of a Business Forum organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia to connect the business sectors and promote investment opportunities. He will then visit the ASEAN Secretariat to discuss regional cooperation with the Secretary-General and deliver a speech on Thailand's vision for ASEAN's future, before meeting with Indonesian business leaders. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Thailand in the evening. Source: INN News