Bangkok: The Prime Minister reiterated his goal to sign FTAs ??with all EU countries by the end of this year, expressing a hopeful outlook for opening a Thai-EU trade route. He highlighted the interest of many foreign investors, notably 'Dubai Port World', in the land bridge project, indicating a high possibility of success.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, shared insights from her recent trip to the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. Among the key takeaways was the signing of a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). While this initial agreement includes only four countries, she emphasized plans to extend similar agreements to the entire European Union by the end of the year. Such developments are seen as a significant achievement for Thailand, as it would open new trade routes that have been inaccessible for some time. The ministers accompanying her to Davos expressed pride in this accomplishment.
In discussions with foreign executives, the Prime Minister addressed inquiries regarding Thailand's readiness to support future industries such as semiconductors, data centers, and green energy. She assured potential investors of Thailand's preparedness and its capacity to welcome such investments.
The conversation also touched upon the skills of the Thai workforce, especially considering the country's limited experience with large foreign investments. The Prime Minister encouraged companies considering a move to Thailand to contribute to skill development for Thai citizens. She cited Google's investment in Thailand as an example of collaboration with educational institutions to enhance skills and prepare the younger generation for future employment opportunities.
Regarding the land bridge project and discussions with Dubai Port World (DP World), the Prime Minister noted that this initiative extends the efforts of former Prime Minister Settha Thavisin. DP World is exploring opportunities for port construction in various locations, with some requiring bidding processes. The Prime Minister confirmed DP World's readiness to invest and their progress in studying the land bridge project, which shows a high likelihood of fruition. She assured that further details would be provided to avoid misunderstandings.
When queried about Dubai Port World being the primary private entity for the project, the Prime Minister clarified that while several companies have shown interest, Dubai Port World is currently the main focus of discussions.