High-level discussions have taken place between Srettha and Kishida during their recent get-together in San Francisco. Both were present in the city to participate in the Economic Leaders’ Week organized by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Srettha, who also holds the Finance Minister position, reassured Kishida that Japanese automakers, who maintain a consistent production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, will not be forsaken, contrary to Thailand’s shift towards becoming a hub for battery-Electric Vehicle production.
The progressive measure encapsulated within Thailand’s “30@30” policy aims at propelling EVs so that they constitute 30% of total vehicle production by the year 2030. Srettha emphasized that, in the interim, Thailand would remain a bastion for production of ICE vehicles. He further assured the Japanese leader that Thai government agencies would persistently engage with Japanese ICE automakers to bolster support mechanisms.
Kishida, on his part, inquired about the feasibility of Thailand enhancing travel convenience for Japanese investors by offering visa-free entry. He also invited Srettha to the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to be held from December 14-17. The main agenda of the meet will be discussing alternative energy sources that could eventually pave the way towards achieving net-zero emissions across Asia.
Srettha reciprocated positively by vowing Thailand’s commitment to joining forces with Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community initiative. He also assured Kishida of his government’s willingness in welcoming new Japanese investment endeavours, particularly in the domains of digital and green economy.
He also brought up the prospect of Japan joining Thailand’s ambitious southern land-bridge project. The objective of the project is to open a fresh trade conduit between the Pacific and Indian oceans, by establishing connections between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. This strategic initiative, according to Srettha, would also serve to augment Japan’s economic position significantly.
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