On 2 February 2016, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, hosted a reception in honor of Mr. Akio Mimura, Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and a delegation of over 50 Japanese business executives at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was also attended by H.E. Mr. Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, Secretary General of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), Deputy Secretary - General of the Board of Investment (BOI), Chairman of the Thai Bankers Association, and executives from the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

In his welcoming remarks, the Vice Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to support Japanese businesses and investors in Thailand, and expressed his hope that Japan would continue to invest in Thailand. Looking forward, he pushed for cooperation with Japan to support not only economic development and progress of Thailand but also that of the neighbouring countries in the Mekong Sub-region as a whole.

Mr.Mimura stressed on the significance of his Thailand visit, during which he and the delegation met with top executives of the Thai Government and business sector. Accordingly, JCCI would share the information and understandings on business opportunities in Thailand with its members of 1.25 million firms. He then cited JCCI’s hope to be part of the effort to further expand the Thai-Japanese ties.

This visit marks the first in 14 years since the last time Chairman of JCCI led a delegation to Thailand. The aim of the visit was to meet with Thai Government executives to push for improvement on business environment for Japanese businesses in Thailand, to convey their support for Thailand to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP), which could help facilitate Japan’s value chain and investment in the country, and to promote cooperation in Quality Infrastructure development. During their stay in Bangkok, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as well as Minister of Transport, Vice Minister of Industry, and Vice Minister of Commerce. A business seminar “Thailand – Japan Economic Forum” was also co-organized with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCI).