Private sector believes China's One Belt One Road will benefit Thailand

 

 

BANGKOK, 11 August 2017 (NNT) - The Thailand-China Business Council has expressed confidence that the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and China's One Belt One Road strategy will contribute to no less than 0.5% economic growth in Thailand. 

Chairman of the Thailand-China Business Council Wikrom Kromdit said China's One Belt One Road, which starts from the souther part of China to Vietnam, Lao and Thailand, will be an important route used by Chuna to the Indian Ocean. Thailand will be directly benefited from the route by connecting with China whose 4-trillion-USD trade value is currently the highest in the world, said Mr. Wikrom. 

One Belt One Road will also benefit Thailand's investment and tourism, said the chairman. He was therefore confident that when One Belt One Road is connected with the EEC, the Thai economy will expand by more than 0.5% 

Meanwhile, Honorary Chairman of the Thailand-China Business Council Thanakorn Seraburi said he believe that Thailand is a focus of One Belt One Road due to the country's location in the middle of the region and its long ties with China. He suggested that Thai business people should pay attention to One Belt One Road since China will likely use Thailand as a center for the manufacturing of processed products which will be exported back to China.

 

-- nnt 2017-08-11

They clearly believe that Thailand can compete with cheap Chinese imports, that's an awfully big gamble, IMO.

 

If Thai business is so good, why does it currently require such high tarrif-barriers to protect it, from both its neighbours and the Rest of the World ?

 

 

Can one expect anything else from the Chairman of the Thailand-China Business Council?

Thailand sells lots of produce and rubber.  Rail to a vast consumer offers tremendous possibilities.  Plus Kunming is a pleasant, inexpensive city .

28 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

Thailand sells lots of produce and rubber.  Rail to a vast consumer offers tremendous possibilities.  Plus Kunming is a pleasant, inexpensive city .

 

Agreed, Opportunities for agricultural-exports, and perhaps for cheaper manufactured-goods, but also Risks for Thailand's over-protected businesses ? 

 

Just how many CPs are there, looking forward to competing on a bigger stage ?

 

Maybe the business-leaders just look forward to selling-out at a good price ?

12 hours ago, BasalBanality said:

Can one expect anything else from the Chairman of the Thailand-China Business Council?

Absolutely correct. His heritage is Chinese. Same as many at the top end in this country.

It will certainly benefit China, first and foremost.

18 hours ago, Ricardo said:

 

Agreed, Opportunities for agricultural-exports, and perhaps for cheaper manufactured-goods, but also Risks for Thailand's over-protected businesses ? 

 

Just how many CPs are there, looking forward to competing on a bigger stage ?

 

Maybe the business-leaders just look forward to selling-out at a good price ?

Thailand has stiff tariffs, so importing is a drag.  Thailand is best for doing things that are tedious, low volume and high margin products.  Doing volume prodution in Thailand is not fun, unless it is very simple or you are a big automobile manufacturer. 

 

Exporting to China what it craves will be highly profitable; rubber, fruits, vegetables.  The Chinese like Thai whiskey for its low price and taste. 

Just now, yellowboat said:

Tourism will be a big win too.  Kunming is much more like SE Asia than like China.  Thais will probably like spending some time there.

 

Edited August 12, 20178 yr by yellowboat

10 hours ago, Jonmarleesco said:

It will certainly benefit China, first and foremost.

I think it will benefit both sides if you consider a few facts. The south west provinces of China has a population 3 times the size of Thailand and a GDP larger than Thailand. The provinces GDP are growing 17% annum; fastest in China. Middle class is rapidly expanding which will mean more goods needed and more travelers which Thailand will well benefit. The rail also allow an alternative transportation for the hinterland. To me, transportation is the blood line of economy and this rail link is positive.