French trade minister affirms investor confidence in Thailand

BANGKOK, Dec 15 (TNA) – French Minister for Foreign Trade Anne-Marie Idrac on Monday affirmed France remained confident regarding investment in Thailand, saying major companies are expected to expand investment next year.

Mrs Idrac, the first French trade minister making an official visit to Thailand in four years, is in the Thai capital to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties.

Thailand remained attractive for investment because it has sound economic and market mechanisms, she said, noting that Thailand opened up for various kinds of investment from France and served as a gateway for trade with other countries.

However, French investors are concerned about the investment spin-off of environmental problems at the Mab Ta Phut Industrial Estate, where some French firms have invested.

French investors had opportunities to meet and discuss with Thai Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai and Trade Representative Kiati Sithi-amorn about the problems. They were satisfied with the clarifications and reaffirmed their plans to expand their investments in Thailand, she said.

Next year, Mrs Idrac said, the Thai leader is scheduled to make an official visit to France which she hoped would help boost the bilateral trade ties, particularly regarding intellectual properties.

The French government expected it could give advice and cooperation on the green technology with the Thai counterpart, she added.

Thailand is the France’s second largest trade partner in Southeast Asia with a total trade value of €30 billion euros (Bt1.4 trillion). Of this, €20 billion (Bt980 billion) of trade is from Thailand and €10 billion (Bt490 billion) from France.

Currently, around 300 French companies have invested in Thailand, and some 30 more firms are due to invest here next year. (TNA)