#Japan #Thailand #international business #Chiyoda, Tokyo #bioeconomy

Exploring Business Opportunities in Thailand

On December 12, 2023, the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Corporation will organize a significant symposium focused on expanding business opportunities in Thailand. This event, titled "New Developments in Japan-Thailand Industrial Collaboration: Challenges from Bioeconomy and Local Resources—Next-Generation Businesses Beyond Automotive Dependency—" will take place in Akihabara at the UDX Conference Center, while also being accessible online.

This symposium represents a crucial point in the cooperation between Japan and Thailand, underscoring Thailand's role as a key location for Japanese companies looking to expand abroad. Currently, Thailand ranks as the third most popular destination for Japanese businesses aiming to establish a presence overseas, following China and the United States.

Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussion

The seminar will commence with a keynote address from Passakorn Chairat, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry of Thailand. He will shed light on the current economic landscape of Thailand, the expectations for Japanese enterprises, and how these collaborations can lead to mutual benefits.

The event will then transition into a panel discussion featuring prominent figures in the industry, including:

• - Passakorn Srisastra, Vice President of MITR PHOL SUGAR, Thailand's leading sugar company, who will share insights on the bioeconomy and local resources.
• - Ryohei Yamada, Executive Officer at Daicel Corporation, who will discuss the role of advanced technologies in developing bio-based products.
• - Daisuke Matsushima, a professor specializing in management at Kanazawa University and former policy advisor to the Thai government.

Together, they will explore the current status and future directions of Thailand's key industries, particularly focusing on food and bio sectors, and discuss how Japanese technologies can facilitate new innovative business models in this evolving landscape.

Objectives of the Symposium

The primary aim of this symposium is to showcase Thailand's strengths in the food and bio industries and facilitate discussions on business possibilities for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo. By tapping into local insights, attendees will understand the potential for growth and industrial innovation in Thailand, particularly within the bio-economy sector.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Tokyo office in Thailand, a milestone that highlights the enduring partnership and knowledge sharing between the two nations. The symposium will leverage the extensive expertise and networks developed over the past decade to support SMEs in exploring overseas markets.

Significance of Thailand in the Bioeconomy

Thailand's vision of "Thailand 4.0" emphasizes the importance of sustainable development, with a significant focus on food and bioindustries. The country is advancing its national strategy through the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy Model, aiming to transform its traditional economy into a more sophisticated industrial structure. This transformation presents new business opportunities not only in agriculture but also in high-tech sectors.

The discussions will delve into how Japan and Thailand can work together to create new value by merging local resources with Japanese technology, thus igniting a collaborative effort that could lead to the development of new business sectors beyond the traditional automobile-focused industries.

Conclusion

As we anticipate this thought-provoking event, we hope that it will inspire Tokyo's SMEs to consider international opportunities in Thailand and contribute to a thriving business ecosystem by utilizing Thailand's rich resources and Japanese innovations. The symposium is free of charge and aims to facilitate connections that will empower local businesses to engage in international collaboration and exploration.

For more details and registration, visit the symposium's official website: Tokyo Business Forum.