Highlight of JFCCT Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2025
Highlight of JFCCT Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2025
On 14 February 2025, The Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (TNCC), in collaboration with Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), hosted the Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2025 with Her Excellency Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, at Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. Under the theme “Sustainable Thailand: Advancing with Reforms,” the event highlighted the Five Focus areas and Key Messages, attracted over 500 distinguished guests from various sectors including the government officials, ambassadors, foreign investors who are members of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand and their distinguished guests to discuss Thailand’s future as a regional economic hub. The luncheon provided a valuable platform for networking and firsthand insights into the Thai government’s policies.
Notable attendees represent Thai-Norwegian business community included Her Excellency Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia, Mr. Axel Blom, President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Norwegian companies in Thailand, including our premium members, Aibel (Thailand) Ltd, Bangkok Hospital, Seven Peaks Software Co., Ltd, Yara (Thailand) Ltd, and our corporate member, DNV (Thailand) Co., Ltd. also participated.
Mrs. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Chairwoman, Joint Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) delivered a welcome remarks, highlighting the Five Focus Areas; Competitiveness, Digital Government, Building the future workforce, Empowerment of SMEs, Holistic and Cohesive Sustainability. She also acknowledged Thailand’s recovery in the economic sector, especially tourism and domestic consumption. Foreign direct investment (FDI) also showed notable growth, particularly in key sectors supported by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and the Board of Investment (BOI). “Thailand offers compelling advantages for investors, particularly through its strategic incentives and robust infrastructure. While ease of doing business remains complex in some areas, initiatives within EEC and BOI have made Thailand an increasingly attractive destination for FDI,” Mrs. Leirvåg stated. Furthermore, she highlighted the opportunities brought by free trade agreements, including EFTA.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged comprehensive economic reforms to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness, improve investor confidence, and solidify the country’s position as a top destination for foreign investment. In her address, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made a direct appeal to foreign businesses, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to creating a more transparent, investor-friendly environment. “My government envisions a future where we transform traditional economic growth into sustainable growth. Thailand is not just opening its doors to investment; we are creating a business ecosystem that fosters innovation, transparency, and long-term growth. Our policies focus on simplifying investment processes, modernising infrastructure, and ensuring a fair, competitive market that encourages both foreign and domestic investors,” she stated.
She underscored that foreign direct investment (FDI) is critical to Thailand’s future, particularly in high-value industries such as technology, sustainable manufacturing, and services. She further highlighted the need to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness through investment in infrastructure, supply chain efficiency, and strategic regulatory improvements, ensuring the country remains a top destination for businesses seeking stability and long-term growth.
A key pillar of her speech was the collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to the country. In addition, she reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to sustainable economy and development, stressing that the government will ensure businesses must have real access to finance, opportunities to integrate into global supply chains, and practical support to adopt sustainable business practices. “The future of Thailand depends on a holistic and cohesive sustainability strategy that balances economic growth with social and environmental responsibility. By embedding BCG economic model, climate resilience, and inclusive business policies, we can create a sustainable future for all,” she concluded.
The afternoon session featured a moderated discussion on JFCCT policies and engagements, led by Prof. Thitinan Pongsudhirak. Committee chairs presented key issues aligned with the event’s focus areas, covering topics such as digital transformation, education, international trade, SME development, sustainability, and tourism. The discussion also explored the integration of artificial intelligence and the role of SMEs in Thailand’s economic landscape.
The speakers from JFCCT six committee chairs included:
- Mr. Robert C. Fox, JFCCT Digital Economy / ICT Committee Chairman
- Dr. Kongkiti Phusavat, JFCCT Education and Skills Committee Chairman
- Mr. Marcelo Souza, JFCCT International Trade Committee Chairman
- Dr. Nimnual Piewthongngam, JFCCT SME Committee Chairwoman
- Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling, JFCCT Sustainable Development Committee Chairman
- Mr. Anthony Hoglund, JFCCT Tourism Committee Chairman
The event’s key platinum sponsors included Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok and UOB Thailand. Mr. Boonyong Yongcharoenrat, Vice President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Thailand’s strong economic ties with China, emphasising infrastructure development, regional trade agreements, and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in driving growth. While, Mr. Parson Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a key gateway for Thai businesses expanding internationally and foreign investors entering ASEAN. In addition, Ms. Vira-anong C. Phutrakul, Managing Director – Deputy CEO and Head of Wholesale Banking at UOB Thailand, reaffirmed UOB’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s investment landscape, highlighting its role in facilitating business expansion and regional integration.
The JFCCT Prime Minister Address Luncheon 2025 underscored Thailand’s determination to reshape its economic landscape, strengthen global trade partnerships, and drive long-term sustainable growth. With total investment applications reaching a decade-high of 1.14 trillion baht (approximately USD 32.8 billion) in 2024, and foreign investments accounting for 832 billion baht (around USD 23.9 billion), the country is poised to reinforce its status as a premier investment hub in ASEAN. As regulatory reforms accelerate and new investment incentives take shape, Thailand’s economic outlook signals unprecedented opportunities for global investors, industry leaders, and SMEs alike.
The Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce is honoured to have taken part in this exclusive collaboration. We extend our gratitude to all the participants for making this event successful and a step closer to a sustainable growth of the business community.
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