Thai PM Backs Thai Businesses in Malaysia to Boost Economic Ties

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with a delegation of Thai business representatives based in Malaysia, pledging support to further expand business opportunities between the two countries. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Thai companies operating in Malaysia for their crucial role in connecting the economies, trade, investment, and close relations between the two nations. The government stated its readiness to fully support the operations of Thai businesses, promising coordination with relevant agencies, resolution of obstacles in business operations, and facilitation of trade, investment, labor, and other issues that will enhance competitiveness and create growth opportunities. The meeting was highlighted as a valuable opportunity for the government to directly hear feedback and proposals from businesses, which will be translated into concrete support measures. Representatives from various sectors, including energy, finance, retail, food, industrial goods, logistics, services, and banking, participated in the discussions. The business sector praised the government's policies, particularly the promotion of connectivity through infrastructure development such as roads and railways, and the opening of the Sadao border crossing, which has facilitated the transport of food and raw materials, as well as tourism. However, the businesses also raised concerns and suggestions for the Thai government to consider further, including tax incentives, promotion of Thai labor import to Malaysia, import of food and agricultural products from Thailand, and the establishment of mutual recognition standards such as Halal certification. They believe that reaching agreements on these matters would further enhance the competitive opportunities for Thai businesses, brands, agricultural products, and labor. Prime Minister Anutin instructed the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to gather detailed information on the issues and obstacles raised during the meeting. He expressed satisfaction that many of these issues have already been discussed and agreed upon at the leadership level. For unresolved matters, the embassy will consult with relevant Malaysian authorities, and discussions will proceed through working groups established in each sector, and further through the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Joint Commission (JC) level. Source: INN News