Relationship-building and tapping into new markets are key to exploring investment opportunities in Thailand and the rest of the South-East Asian region. This was said by the South African Ambassador to Thailand, Ms Robina Marks at the South Africa-Thailand Trade and Investment opportunities seminar which was hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Bangkok, Thailand today.
The seminar, which was attended by more than hundred business people, focused on how trade and investment opportunities that exist in both countries could be explored by businesspeople from South Africa and Thailand.
Ambassador Marks said building relations with key investors and other businesspeople would assist South African businesses in getting a clear view on how their products and services would be received in the South-East Asia markets.
“The presence of local chambers in this investment seminar indicates a willingness from the Thai to support such initiatives and also encourages South African exporters in believing trade and investment opportunities are available in the country,” said Marks.
She also said South Africa was looking at doubling the trade that is currently skewed in favour of Thailand by 2015.
“South Africa has been a net importer from Thailand for the past decade, and this would not balance the ratio unless we emphasise beneficiation on all products that we export as South Africa,” added Marks.
Ambassador Marks urged delegates to build relationships that are manageable and fruitful in the long run so that both parties can benefit. The Deputy Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment, Mr Chokedee Kaewsang said investment and export promotion had been placed on top of the Thailand government agenda.
Kaewsang said the Thai government was now looking at South Africa and the rest of Africa for trade opportunities that have growth potential.
“Thai investment policy now includes sectors such as agro-processing, which the country is looking at exports partners in order to service Thailand citizens better,” Kaewsang added.
The delegation will tomorrow visit different sites covering the various sectors in and around Bangkok that the South African delegation represents. These include agro-processing, jewellery and the automotive sector.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Twitter: @the_dti
