Trade rep: Thais courted to invest in Japan

BANGKOK, July 18 (TNA) – Japan has convinced Thais to invest in three main industries including auto parts, food and processing, and retail trade and distribution in the country by allowing them to hold a whole stake in businesses they operate, according to Thai Trade Representative Vatchara Panchet.

Speaking of his visit to Japan to meet with top executives and officials in the public and private sectors July 7-14, he said that permission for investment with an entire stake is considered unprecedented in Japan.

So, it is an appropriate time for Thai businesspersons to turn a crisis into an opportunity by making the investment in preparation for the economic boom in the future.

“The Japanese government has appreciated Thailand’s role as a production base of vehicles, pickups, and eco-cars. Establishing companies in Japan constitutes an opening of a new market by Thai firms,” the Thai official reported.

“Investing in the food and processing business will help build on the project to turn Thailand into the world kitchen. It will also help cope with difficulties in exporting foods to Japan where food safety regulations are very strict because Thai companies investing there will receive the same entitlements Japanese firms get,” he said.

“Simultaneously, investing in the retail trade and distribution will give Thai products more distribution channels in Japan,” Mr. Vatchara said.

The Development Bank of Japan and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation are ready to provide financial support for Thai investors in Japan.

In addition, Tokyo Stock Exchange chairman Atsushi Saito had invited Thai companies to list on the market, he said. (TNA)