On November 26, the first Russian-Thai Investment Forum opened in Thailand – a new platform for developing business dialogue, joint projects and expanding economic ties between the two countries.
The forum brought together representatives of the public sector, leading companies, industry associations and business councils from Russia and Thailand. Discussions focused on strengthening investment cooperation, supporting bilateral trade, launching new technology initiatives and developing partnerships in high-tech and traditional sectors.
Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russian-Thai Business Council:
"I am convinced that everything we do is aimed at strengthening relations between Russia and Thailand and we are the ones who are truly interested in this development.
It is a great honor for me to welcome you to the first Russian-Thai Investment Forum. This is a true win-win situation: a large and promising market is opening up for Russian entrepreneurs while the Thai side is benefiting from new opportunities for development, technology implementation and expanded cooperation.
Why is this important? So that serious deals are concluded on the basis of trust. And trust is built when you know your partners personally, see their eyes and understand who you're working with and what you're doing. I urge everyone to be open to each other and ambitious in their plans.
And one more thing: a white elephant only lives in the jungle – and now is the time to find it with us."
Vichavat Isarabhakdi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand:
"Relations between Thailand and Russia, which have been going on for over 128 years, have steadily developed based on mutual respect and a desire for practical cooperation. Today we see great potential for further deepening our economic ties – from trade and tourism to new industries and innovation. The prospects for a free trade agreement with the EAEU and the work of the joint Thai-Russian commission remain important tools for moving us forward.
The signing of a memorandum on digital development underscores our shared focus on technological partnership and creates new opportunities for exchanging experiences and attracting investment. Thailand is also interested in expanding cooperation in education and training, particularly in science and technology. All of this opens up broad prospects for strengthening the long-term partnership between our countries."
Kriengkrai Thiennukun, Chairman of the Thai-Russian Business Council:
"With every contact between Thai and Russian companies it becomes clear: the main barriers are a lack of information, regulatory differences and a lack of clear financial solutions. This holds back even those industries with obvious potential. Today it is especially important to build trust, align regulations and remove obstacles so that businesses can operate freely and effectively.
Now is the best time for investment in Thailand: in the first ten months of this year, total foreign investment exceeded 1.37 trillion baht, a record high in decades. However, Russia is still not among the top investors despite its enormous potential.
We see Russia as an important partner in the high-tech transformation of Thai industry – from innovative materials and modular construction to AI, cybertechnologies and robotics.”
Nikita Gusakov, Senior Vice President of the Russian Export Center:
“Despite significant growth in recent years, our mutual indicators remain modest – primarily due to a lack of understanding of each other’s capabilities. This is why forums like this and the work of business councils are crucial: they allow us to better understand the Thai market, and Thai companies to understand the potential of Russian products.
For the Russian Export Center, promoting Russian products under the Made in Russia brand remains a priority. This year we opened an office in Thailand to help Russian companies enter the local market and support Thai partners in finding Russian suppliers. We are already seeing progress in the agricultural sector, FMCG and digital technologies, and are preparing a presentation of Russian solutions in urban tech and smart cities early next year.
There are also significant prospects in traditional industries – metallurgy, mining, and construction where Russian developers can strengthen their presence amid growing tourism. Stimulating mutual industrial investment is equally important. Ratification of the 2002 Investment Protection Agreement which will provide additional guarantees for companies in both countries, remains a priority.
We are ready to support investors through insurance instruments and develop solutions, including financial mechanisms – from leasing to trade finance. The potential for cooperation is enormous and today's forum is a step that will undoubtedly yield tangible results”.
About the Forum:
The Russia-Thailand Investment Forum is the premier annual platform for establishing long-term business ties between Russian and Thai companies. It facilitates the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation and the implementation of joint investment projects.
The Forum is organized by the Russia-Thailand Business Council (the Association for Entrepreneurship Development and Support of Business Ties with Thailand). The Council is a key Russian platform that promotes business and investment development, strengthens business contacts, and creates conditions for mutually beneficial partnership and long-term cooperation between Russia and Thailand.
Co-organizers include the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.
Business program partners include Rosatom Corporation and Sberbank. Strategic partner: Made in Russia.
Media partners: Forbes and Russian Radio.
The forum brought together representatives of the public sector, leading companies, industry associations and business councils from Russia and Thailand. Discussions focused on strengthening investment cooperation, supporting bilateral trade, launching new technology initiatives and developing partnerships in high-tech and traditional sectors.
Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russian-Thai Business Council:
"I am convinced that everything we do is aimed at strengthening relations between Russia and Thailand and we are the ones who are truly interested in this development.
It is a great honor for me to welcome you to the first Russian-Thai Investment Forum. This is a true win-win situation: a large and promising market is opening up for Russian entrepreneurs while the Thai side is benefiting from new opportunities for development, technology implementation and expanded cooperation.
Why is this important? So that serious deals are concluded on the basis of trust. And trust is built when you know your partners personally, see their eyes and understand who you're working with and what you're doing. I urge everyone to be open to each other and ambitious in their plans.
And one more thing: a white elephant only lives in the jungle – and now is the time to find it with us."
Vichavat Isarabhakdi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand:
"Relations between Thailand and Russia, which have been going on for over 128 years, have steadily developed based on mutual respect and a desire for practical cooperation. Today we see great potential for further deepening our economic ties – from trade and tourism to new industries and innovation. The prospects for a free trade agreement with the EAEU and the work of the joint Thai-Russian commission remain important tools for moving us forward.
The signing of a memorandum on digital development underscores our shared focus on technological partnership and creates new opportunities for exchanging experiences and attracting investment. Thailand is also interested in expanding cooperation in education and training, particularly in science and technology. All of this opens up broad prospects for strengthening the long-term partnership between our countries."
Kriengkrai Thiennukun, Chairman of the Thai-Russian Business Council:
"With every contact between Thai and Russian companies it becomes clear: the main barriers are a lack of information, regulatory differences and a lack of clear financial solutions. This holds back even those industries with obvious potential. Today it is especially important to build trust, align regulations and remove obstacles so that businesses can operate freely and effectively.
Now is the best time for investment in Thailand: in the first ten months of this year, total foreign investment exceeded 1.37 trillion baht, a record high in decades. However, Russia is still not among the top investors despite its enormous potential.
We see Russia as an important partner in the high-tech transformation of Thai industry – from innovative materials and modular construction to AI, cybertechnologies and robotics.”
Nikita Gusakov, Senior Vice President of the Russian Export Center:
“Despite significant growth in recent years, our mutual indicators remain modest – primarily due to a lack of understanding of each other’s capabilities. This is why forums like this and the work of business councils are crucial: they allow us to better understand the Thai market, and Thai companies to understand the potential of Russian products.
For the Russian Export Center, promoting Russian products under the Made in Russia brand remains a priority. This year we opened an office in Thailand to help Russian companies enter the local market and support Thai partners in finding Russian suppliers. We are already seeing progress in the agricultural sector, FMCG and digital technologies, and are preparing a presentation of Russian solutions in urban tech and smart cities early next year.
There are also significant prospects in traditional industries – metallurgy, mining, and construction where Russian developers can strengthen their presence amid growing tourism. Stimulating mutual industrial investment is equally important. Ratification of the 2002 Investment Protection Agreement which will provide additional guarantees for companies in both countries, remains a priority.
We are ready to support investors through insurance instruments and develop solutions, including financial mechanisms – from leasing to trade finance. The potential for cooperation is enormous and today's forum is a step that will undoubtedly yield tangible results”.
About the Forum:
The Russia-Thailand Investment Forum is the premier annual platform for establishing long-term business ties between Russian and Thai companies. It facilitates the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation and the implementation of joint investment projects.
The Forum is organized by the Russia-Thailand Business Council (the Association for Entrepreneurship Development and Support of Business Ties with Thailand). The Council is a key Russian platform that promotes business and investment development, strengthens business contacts, and creates conditions for mutually beneficial partnership and long-term cooperation between Russia and Thailand.
Co-organizers include the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.
Business program partners include Rosatom Corporation and Sberbank. Strategic partner: Made in Russia.
Media partners: Forbes and Russian Radio.