PUBLISHED : 15 Jan 2024 at 05:21
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will court foreign investment in the government’s 1 trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland which kicks off on Monday and ends on Friday.
Mr Srettha will lead a delegation of cabinet ministers including Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, to attend the forum at the WEF’s invitation, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
It will be Mr Srettha’s first visit to Europe after assuming the premiership, and also the first time in 12 years that a Thai government leader has taken part in the annual meeting. “The WEF offers a great opportunity for the prime minister to meet other world leaders and demonstrate Thailand’s readiness to work with partners to deepen ties and further foster trade and investment,” said the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The annual meeting brings together around 2,500 participants from all over the world, including heads of state, government leaders and representatives of international organisations, CEOs, academics and influential public figures. The theme this year is “Rebuilding Trust” and comprises four workstreams, namely: Achieving Cooperation and Security in a Fractured World; Creating Growth and Jobs for a New Era; Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society; and A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature and Energy.
At the forum, Mr Srettha and Mr Parnpree will attend various meetings and panels to promote Thailand’s economic and investment potential, particularly the Land Bridge project and exchange views on issues including the economic outlook, geopolitics, sustainability and the green transition.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a delegation to Los Angeles to promote Thai rice and other products from Wednesday until next Monday. He will also attend an in-store promotion between Ralphs Fresh Fare grocery store, and Golden Star which aims to boost sales of Thai rice among American consumers.