Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to embark on a significant visit to Japan this upcoming weekend, aimed at fortifying collaborations within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The focus of this diplomatic mission revolves around crucial meetings with Japan’s leading automakers to bolster and facilitate their transition toward EV production in Thailand.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are prominent figures from the Finance and Transport ministries, along with Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI). This strategic visit is aligned with the government’s strategic vision to advocate for the integration of robotics within the country’s automotive manufacturing sector, intending to entice further Japanese investments through appealing incentives.
Central to Prime Minister Srettha’s agenda is the unveiling of an ambitious initiative, known as the land-bridge project. This ambitious plan aims to establish a comprehensive road and rail network connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand. If realized, this project promises to significantly alleviate shipping congestion through the Strait of Malacca, potentially transforming regional trade dynamics.
A pivotal aspect of the visit entails a crucial meeting between Srettha Thavisin and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, marking a continuation of their engagements following their prior encounter at the APEC summit in the United States last month. This upcoming rendezvous underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral ties and advance mutual interests within the automotive and infrastructural domains.