Mumbai: The Ministry of Commerce is taking strides to enhance trade and investment relations with India by engaging with the TATA Group to incorporate Thai products into India's supply chain and e-commerce platforms. Meetings have been conducted to leverage Thai businesses' involvement in India's green construction, real estate, and e-commerce sectors, with a focus on promoting luxury Thai products to affluent Indian consumers.
According to Thai News Agency, Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan highlighted the significance of the discussions with TATA Group executives, acknowledging the conglomerate's extensive presence across the Indian economy. The talks aimed at establishing a "concrete cooperation model" to integrate Thai businesses into TATA Group's expansive network. The Ministry of Commerce is positioned as a central platform, working alongside the private sector and trade attach©s to align demand and supply effectively.
Minister Supajee emphasized Thailand's potential role as a crucial component within TATA Group, particularly in sectors like e-commerce, construction materials, and real estate. She reiterated the Ministry's commitment to facilitating connections between Thai businesses and key Indian market players, recognizing India's vast market potential.
Addressing India's focus on sustainable urban development, Ms. Supajee noted the opportunities for Thailand to contribute environmentally friendly construction materials. This includes rubber-based materials, green chemicals, and modular construction solutions, which align with India's green construction initiatives.
The discussions also opened avenues for joint manufacturing ventures in Thailand for export to India, with a focus on construction projects and green buildings. Knowledge exchange in the steel industry, AI technology, and zero-waste concepts was also explored as strategic directions for TATA Group.
Regarding lifestyle products, Ms. Supajee noted India's perception of Thai items as premium and luxurious. She urged TATA Group, particularly through its e-commerce platform TATA CLiQ, to consider marketing Thai jewelry, clothing, and home decor to boost demand in India.
TATA Unistore, the proprietor of TATA CLiQ, has initiated talks with the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand to feature unique Thai jewelry brands. They have also been invited to the 73rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair in 2026 to solidify commercial partnerships.
Furthermore, TATA CLiQ has shown interest in Thai handicrafts for clothing and home decor. The Ministry of Commerce recommended collaboration with the Science, Technology, and Crafts Institute of Thailand, providing a product catalog for assessment and planning an online meeting to advance this partnership.
Ms. Supajee concluded by highlighting the proactive measures taken by the Ministry and the Department of International Trade Promotion. They have leveraged their overseas trade offices in India to identify trade opportunities aligning with Thai entrepreneurs' capabilities and Indian consumer needs, fostering trade and investment based on mutual benefits.