Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met executives from Skyline Enterprises and T&G Global on Thursday (August 20) during his official visit to New Zealand, with discussions focused on investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The meetings were arranged by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) to connect business opportunities and promote investment and commercial partnerships, government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said. Anutin presented Thailand as a market, investment base, production hub, and gateway to ASEAN and other global markets.

In talks with T&G Global, the company expressed interest in identifying a distribution base to support its expansion into markets across ASEAN and India. Anutin proposed that T&G Global consider Thailand as its regional distribution centre, citing the country’s geographical location and logistics infrastructure.

Thailand can connect by land and sea with neighbouring countries, other ASEAN markets, and destinations outside the region. Its network of free trade agreements could also support business expansion and access to overseas markets, Anutin said.

The prime minister also encouraged T&G Global to view Thailand as an agricultural partner rather than solely as a distribution location. Thailand is a major producer of agricultural and food products, with diverse raw materials and agricultural knowledge and technology, while New Zealand has expertise in product development, branding, and international marketing.

Anutin said combining the strengths of the two countries could increase the value of agricultural products, support new products, and help both sides expand into additional markets.

Envy network could support Thai fruit exports
Anutin proposed building on T&G Global’s Envy brand and international marketing network to help open new markets for Thai fruit, particularly in Europe.

Under the proposal, New Zealand could use Thailand as a gateway to ASEAN and India, while Thai fruit producers could gain opportunities to reach overseas customers through their New Zealand partner’s commercial network.

“The government wants this visit to turn international relations into tangible economic opportunities,” Ratchada said.

“We are inviting investment into Thailand, but at the same time we must also open doors for Thai products and businesses to enter global markets.”

Ratchada said Thailand’s strengths include its location, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and FTA network. Connecting these with international capital, technology, and business networks could produce benefits beyond conventional trade in goods.