CPF food deal helps 'make America great again'

The massive Thai investment will be a “win-win for both countries”, he said, as thousands of American jobs were saved and created as a result of the deal.
The move was also positive as it increased the volume of US exports, a bone of contention over years of experiencing trade deficits with other countries.
As of last week, the US packaged meals were sold at CPF’s outlets nationwide that included 7-Elevens and other key convenience stores.
At the same time the purchase has allowed the Thai conglomerate to gain access to 50,000 retail outlets nationwide.
“Americans have learned to love Thai food during the last 20 years,” Davies said at his residence while hosting the official launch of the venture to bring Bellisio’s “Boston Market” brand foods to the Kingdom.
“We hope Thais will also learn to develop a taste for American food as well.”
Tom yum kung sandwiches were served along with fettuccini in chicken cream sauce at the event that also celebrate 200 years of Thai-US trade relations.
CP chairman Dhanin Chearavanont and his son, group CEO Supachai Chearavanont jointly presided over the function with Davies as scores of newsmen and diplomats look on.
Davies was full of praise for Dhanin calling him a visionary businessman with many forward looking ideas.
“I met Dhanin two years ago and I was very impressed by him and his goal of investing in the US.
He was amazed Dhanin was able to keep his word and sealed the deal in two years, a feat if speed and conviction.
Supachai said the investment was one of CPF’s moves to invest more abroad and that the Bellisio deal “was the largest the company has ever made so far”.
Davies also said he expected to see more Thai companies make similar inroads into the US while American counterparts look for Thai partners to tap commercial opportunities.
He said the remarkable 200-year friendship and bilateral ties, first inked by King Rama II’s court and US president James Munroe in 1818, has survived two centuries, fostering a better understanding and a common goal for trade and prosperity.
When asked about the danger of Thailand being labeled a currency manipulator, Davies said he did not see a problem and that the countries would be “able to work it out”.
He did not disclosed Dhanin’s private conversations about his expectations for the global economy but said the tycoon saw a more globalised economy which should bind people rather than divide them.
Dhanin advised Davies to “eat nourishing food, exercise and sleep in a natural and tranquil surrounding”.
The chairman said he was not likely to see his predictions come true in 30 years but that Davies would be able to witnessed them.
The ambassador replied that he expected to greet Dhanin when he returned to Thailand during that time to celebrate close ties.