Bangkok: Thailand and France have successfully launched the 4th France-Thai Business Forum (FTBF), a collaborative effort to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and advanced technology, with a focus on green and digital futures. This significant event marks a continuation of the strategic policy direction embraced by both nations at the leadership level.
According to Thai News Agency, the forum witnessed the participation of private sector leaders and senior executives from prominent business organizations from both countries. The Thai contingent was spearheaded by major corporations such as PTT Public Company Limited and WHA Corporation Public Company Limited. The French delegation, under the guidance of HE Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand, warmly received their Thai counterparts.
Dr. Panpree Pahithanukorn, serving as an Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the Thai government's commitment to fostering economic collaboration with France. The forum primarily aimed to bolster cooperation in trade, investment, and the exchange of advanced technologies, targeting future industries such as clean energy, digital innovation, and smart logistics. The forum also sought to elevate Thai-French economic relations to a Strategic Partnership and to support ongoing negotiations for a Thailand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (Thai-EU FTA).
The 4th FTBF meeting is a direct result of economic diplomacy efforts at the highest levels of government. It follows a meeting held on June 4th, where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul engaged in discussions with Mr. Fran§ois Corbin, President of the French-Thai Business Federation, alongside a delegation of business leaders from MEDEF International, aiming to expand economic and investment cooperation between Thailand and France.