The Prime Minister gave a speech at the BVMW annual reception.

Germany, The Prime Minister gave a speech at the annual reception of the German Small and Medium Business Association (BVMW), highlighting Thailand's potential in attracting investment in German SMEs. Today (13 March 2024) at 10:30 a.m. (Berlin local time) Federal Republic of Germany which is 6 hours later than Bangkok) at STATION Berlin, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany - Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Speech at the annual reception of the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). by the Prime Minister Pleased to attend the annual reception. and meet with small and medium sized entrepreneurs which is like the backbone of the German economy And it is an important opportunity to support cooperation between Thai and German SMEs. Presenting Thailand's potential and build confidence for German SMEs to invest in Thailand. Along with mentioning the government's 8 visions and policies, he also expressed his commitment to stimulating the expansion of investmen t by SMEs in Thailand as follows: 1.Green change concept which Thailand is considered a country with determination and has concrete guidelines To lead to the greenest change in one of the countries in the region. and can be a source of green vehicle production for Germany. The government has a vision for Thailand to become a future automotive production center in the region. Especially the supply chain of the electric vehicle industry. The government has introduced "market leading" measures to promote demand for electric vehicles. along with increasing incentives for businesses to switch to using more electricity for transportation. In addition, Thailand also needs green, environmentally friendly hydrogen for long-distance transportation. and heavy industry in Thailand including the cement, chemicals, and food processing industries and emphasizes its commitment to cooperate with German SMEs specializing in green hydrogen. and in related industries Including the goal to increase the production rate that uses clean energy in production by 50 percent by 2040 and the Utility Green Tariff measure that promotes the use of clean electrical energy as well. 2.Regional Community: The government aims to create opportunities and raise the potential of the country from the advantages of Thailand's location. and presented the Landbridge project, which would reduce travel time between the two oceans. and promote the seamless exchange of goods and services. To be the world's aviation center for transporting passengers and goods. Thailand is discussing ways to build new airports in the northern and southern regions of the country. as well as upgrading airports in main and secondary cities. Including increasing digital capabilities To be in line with the plan to be the center of the digital economy of the region. And with the potential to connect the Indo-Pacific region as mentioned above, we would like to invite BMVW to establish a representative office in Thailand as well. 3. Openness The government is in the process of nego tiating the Thai-EU FTA. which aims to be concluded by 2025, which will be considered an important mechanism for expanding exports from the EU to Thailand by more than 40% and exports from the EU to Thailand by more than 25%, as well as raising the level of related standards. This will lead to an environment that will attract more EU countries to invest in Thailand. Meanwhile Thailand also provides convenience to businessmen. With the visa exemption program and electronic visas, Thailand is also the center of world tourism. It has welcomed more than 700,000 German tourists in 2023. On the other hand, the government hopes that more Thai people will be facilitated in traveling to Germany and the EU in the future. Especially supporting Thai passport holders to stay for short periods of time without having to apply for a visa. 4. Sustainability (Sustainability) which covers sustainability both in setting the goal of being the center of agriculture and food in the world By giving importance to sustainable agricul ture. To achieve food security and sustainability The green transition will be a good opportunity for Germany to bring technology to play a part in pushing Thailand to be the center of agriculture and food in the world. In addition, sustainability also includes Giving importance to human rights responsibility and equality Thailand is very proud to be the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to adopt a national action plan on business and human rights. It is ready to seek cooperation with the German business sector. In compliance with Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, which aims to encourage sustainable business worldwide. According to human rights principles and ESG concepts. 5. Strategic Partnership (Strategic Partnership) between Thailand and Germany. This will be a platform to encourage discussion between the two countries on creating and seeking new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The Prime Minister said at the end that All of the above ideas will be key to enhancing the pot ential of Thai-German cooperation. Ready to emphasize that German SMEs will have enormous opportunities to grow and have a Big Future in Thailand. Source: Thai News Agency