Thailand Seeks Joint Ventures to Boost Exports, Aligning with China’s 5-Year Plan

Thailand pivots to Thailand-China joint ventures instead of matchmaking, aligning with Beijing’s five-year plan to boost exports.
A general view at Bangkok Port along the Chao Praya River as seen from Samut Prakan on April 8, 2025. Thailand pivots to Thailand-China joint ventures instead of matchmaking, aligning with Beijing’s five-year plan to boost exports. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Thailand’s Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun instructed all nine Thai trade offices in China to shift from basic trade matchmaking to pursue joint ventures with Chinese partners.

The move, as Suphajee said, is to align their work with Beijing’s newly announced five-year economic plan. The move is also to target China’s expanding consumer market.

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