Suphajee plans China co-operation talks for early 2027 to support Thai SMEs
Thailand aims to help small firms sell online in China and bring local raw material and component producers into supply chains.
- Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun plans to hold bilateral talks with China in early 2027 to expand opportunities for Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- The co-operation aims to help Thai SMEs reach Chinese consumers by promoting sales through new channels, including Chinese online platforms.
- Investment proposals focus on connecting Thai raw material and component producers to Chinese supply chains through joint investment, combining Chinese technology with Thai manufacturing.
- The plan also seeks to improve transport, logistics, and digital networks to lower business costs, reduce obstacles, and speed up shipments for Thai companies.
Thailand is pushing for closer economic co-operation with China to expand sales opportunities for Thai small businesses and bring local suppliers into supply chains. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the ministry planned to pursue bilateral joint committee talks in early 2027 to advance proposals from the Thailand–China Business Roundtable, held in Bangkok on November 14, 2026.
The Thailand–China Business Roundtable was co-chaired by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao joined senior government officials and leading business representatives from both countries.
Suphajee said China had been Thailand’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, reflecting strong economic ties and mutual trust. The “Co-Creation” approach she outlined aims to develop that relationship into an economic partnership built on jointly devising, developing and delivering initiatives, with trade, investment and connectivity as three priorities.
Suphajee promotes online sales for Thai small businesses
Suphajee said the Commerce Ministry would support businesses of all sizes, particularly Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in reaching Chinese consumers through new sales channels, including Chinese online platforms.
Thailand’s trade proposals with China also aim to make it easier for goods and services from both countries to enter each other’s markets, expanding sales channels and business opportunities.
Joint investment would connect Thai suppliers to supply chains
Suphajee’s investment proposals include connecting Thai raw material and component producers to supply chains and encouraging joint investment and innovation. The approach would combine Chinese technology and expertise with Thailand’s manufacturing capabilities, raw materials and resources, including through pilot projects to upgrade agricultural products.
Suphajee said the proposed Thai–Chinese investment co-operation was intended to add value to products, create opportunities for Thai firms and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.
Suphajee targets lower business costs through better trade links
Suphajee also outlined plans to develop transport, logistics and digital networks alongside trade facilitation. The intended benefits include faster shipments, fewer business obstacles, lower operating costs and more effective collaboration between Thai and Chinese companies.
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies and businesses in Thailand and China to turn the roundtable proposals into practical projects, Suphajee said. The planned push for a Thailand–China Joint Committee meeting in early 2027 is intended to maintain progress on trade and investment co-operation and generate benefits beyond the exchange of ideas.
Anutin promotes Thailand as a link to ASEAN markets
Anutin highlighted Thailand’s industrial base, businesses and skilled workforce as strengths supporting its role as a hub within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thailand was open to international trade, investment and technology to connect China with ASEAN’s market of around 700 million people and global markets, he said.
Anutin called for a Thailand–China partnership based on joint planning, investment and shaping a shared future, highlighting data centres, semiconductors and artificial intelligence alongside electric vehicles, agriculture and food. The two countries could combine their strengths in technology, production, raw materials and markets to add value and expand economic opportunities, he said.
Thai and Chinese business representatives proposed closer links between investors and businesses, improved logistics and transport, stronger agricultural and food industries, and fewer trade barriers. The private sector also called for wider co-operation in the green economy and digital transformation to support two-way investment and help businesses in both countries grow.
The Thailand–China Business Leaders Exchange, which included the roundtable, ran on November 13–14, 2026, with 100 participants, comprising 50 from each country. The programme aimed to turn bilateral ties and mutual trust into practical trade and investment opportunities, develop workforce skills, create jobs and improve people’s quality of life in both countries over the long term.
