Anutin courts investment from Skyline and T&G Global

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met executives from two major New Zealand companies on Thursday (August 20) in an effort to attract further investment and develop practical economic cooperation between the two countries.

During his official visit to New Zealand, Anutin held talks with Skyline Enterprises, a tourism and attractions operator, and T&G Global, an international fresh-produce company and owner of the Envy™ apple brand.

The meetings were arranged by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) to connect business opportunities and promote concrete investment and commercial partnerships between Thailand and New Zealand, government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said.

Anutin used the discussions to present Thailand’s capabilities directly to New Zealand businesses, stressing that the country was not only a sizeable market but could also serve as an investment base, a production hub and a gateway to ASEAN and other global markets.

The government aimed to turn the longstanding relationship between Thailand and New Zealand into tangible economic opportunities benefiting businesses and people in both countries, Ratchada said.

Skyline invited to expand tourism investment

During his meeting with Skyline Enterprises, Anutin invited the company to consider expanding its investment in Thailand.

He highlighted Thailand’s diverse tourism destinations, large visitor market and potential for developing new attractions and activities, particularly those aimed at families, an area that corresponds with Skyline’s expertise.

Skyline executives expressed interest in business opportunities in Thailand, citing the potential of the country’s tourism market and attractions, as well as prospects for serving the family-travel segment.

Anutin subsequently instructed the BOI to coordinate closely with the company, examine the feasibility of prospective projects and seek to turn the discussions into investment in Thailand.

Thailand proposed as regional distribution hub

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 transport by land and sea with neighbouring countries, other ASEAN markets and destinations outside the region. Its network of free trade agreements could also support the company’s business expansion and access to overseas markets, he said.

The prime minister encouraged T&G Global to view Thailand as an agricultural partner rather than solely as a distribution location.

Thailand is a major global producer of agricultural and food products, with diverse raw materials and significant agricultural knowledge and technology. New Zealand, meanwhile, has expertise in product development, branding and international marketing.

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

Envy network could support Thai fruit exports

Anutin also proposed building on the strength of T&G Global’s Envy brand and international marketing network to help open new markets for high-quality 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 new 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.”

Thailand had strengths in its location, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and FTA network, she added. Connecting those advantages with international capital, technology and business networks could produce benefits for the country extending well beyond conventional trade in goods.