50 Thai and Chinese organisations set for November 13 talks
Business meetings during Li Qiang’s visit will focus on trade, investment and logistics, with Thai firms seeking new markets and partners.
- Representatives from 25 Thai and 25 Chinese organizations are scheduled to meet in Bangkok on November 13, 2026.
- The talks aim to expand trade, increase investment cooperation, and strengthen supply chain links between the two countries.
- Key discussion topics will include supply chains in agriculture, food, electric vehicles, new energy, and infrastructure development.
- The meeting is part of a larger series of business events planned during an official visit to Thailand by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Representatives of 25 Thai organisations and 25 Chinese organisations are scheduled to meet in Bangkok on November 13, 2026, to expand trade and investment cooperation and strengthen supply chain links between the two countries.
The Thailand–China Business Leaders Exchange forms part of business meetings planned for November 13–14 during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit. Li is scheduled to visit Thailand on November 13–15 before travelling to the Philippines for a leaders’ meeting between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Dr Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, said the November 13 exchange would bring together representatives of businesses and related institutions from both countries.
Two business forums scheduled in Bangkok
The Thailand–China Business Leaders Exchange will take place at the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s meeting room on the ninth floor of Thai CC Tower on South Sathorn Road in Bangkok.
Wang Liping, director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Commerce, is scheduled to lead the Chinese side.
Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, will represent the Thai co-organisers. Sun Yu, vice-chairman and chief executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), will represent the Chinese co-organisers.
The exchange also involves a mechanism coordinating and promoting sustainable Thai–Chinese business cooperation. Its three principal organisations are the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Thailand.
A separate Thailand–China business roundtable is scheduled for November 14 at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok, bringing together government leaders and business representatives from both countries.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun are scheduled to attend the roundtable alongside Li and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Supply chain cooperation targets opportunities for Thai firms
Dr Poj identified three priorities for the business exchange: trade, investment, and infrastructure and logistics connectivity. Discussions will cover supply chains in agriculture and food, electrical appliances, electric vehicles and new energy, alongside infrastructure development.
Dr Poj described closer private-sector cooperation as important to both economies, particularly through investment promotion, business matching and efforts to connect Thai companies with regional and global supply chains.
“China is one of Thailand’s most important economic partners in trade, investment and supply chains, while Thailand has strengths in agriculture and food, industry and logistics,” Dr Poj said.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce aims to use the meetings to connect businesses’ complementary strengths and produce practical cooperation, Dr Poj said. A particular priority is helping small and medium-sized enterprises gain access to new markets and business partners.
Investment opportunities accompany a substantial trade deficit
Chinese investors submitted 982 projects seeking investment promotion in Thailand in 2025, with a combined proposed investment value of US$5.52 billion, or approximately THB172.114 billion, according to the Board of Investment.
Separately, research by Bank of Ayudhya, or Krungsri, put net foreign direct investment inflows from China at US$3.2 billion in 2025. The accumulated stock of Chinese direct investment reached a record US$24.7 billion.
Bilateral trade of THB4.87 trillion in 2025, with Thai exports to China worth THB1.30 trillion and imports from China worth THB3.56 trillion were reported. Thailand’s reported trade deficit with China stood at THB2.26 trillion.
Analysis highlighted the opportunities from Chinese investment alongside the challenges posed by growing imports. The cooperation should deliver balanced benefits: a production base and access to regional markets for China, and technology, investment, export opportunities and stronger domestic businesses for Thailand.
