Thai Industry Minister discusses cooperation with GAC Group, BYD, Huawei in China

Ekachat, the Minister of Industry, highlighted Thailand's strategic strengths to attract investments from GAC Group, BYD, and Huawei. He aims to discuss incentives and tax measures in collaboration with relevant agencies to stimulate investment, while also focusing on personnel development, business growth, and research and development (R&D), especially in the development of the entire supply chain, to make Thailand the "Detroit of Asia."

Source：Thai Ministry of Industry

Ekachat Pramotphun, the Minister of Industry, revealed that from March 4 to 7, 2025, he led a delegation of senior executives to visit the People's Republic of China to strengthen relations and discuss industrial cooperation with major Chinese companies, namely GAC Group, BYD, and Huawei. He emphasized Thailand's strategic advantages and promoted investment to advance Thailand's industrial sector into a new era, urging companies to focus on developing Thailand's supply chain and elevating the country's industry to the global stage.

In discussions with GAC Group, Ekachat reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting electric vehicle (EV) production in Thailand, especially in cooperation with GAC Group. He brought policy-makers in the automotive sector to join the discussions to promote industrial development, emphasizing the strong relationship between Thailand and GAC Group and expressing confidence that investing in Thailand is a wise decision. Thailand's strategic location connects to the Asian market and exports globally, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), where GAC Group has a factory (in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong). The government is ready to support both infrastructure and investment promotion measures to make Thailand a regional automotive hub, especially for EVs.

During the meeting with BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd., Ekachat reiterated the government's policy of supporting new energy vehicles and expressed confidence that BYD will play a significant role in driving Thailand's industry, especially in the next 2-3 years, as the global situation favors Thailand as an important production base. The government is ready to support BYD in various aspects but also expects BYD to focus on developing personnel, business, and R&D in Thailand to ensure sustainable industrial cooperation.

"I promise to discuss tax reduction measures for electric vehicles to support businesses and promote Thailand as the center of the electric vehicle supply chain, or the 'Detroit of Asia,'" Ekachat said.

In his meeting with Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., the Minister of Industry praised the company's technological developments, which can be applied to enhance Thailand's technological infrastructure, such as 5G, AI, robotics, and green energy, in line with the BCG policy and carbon neutrality. He emphasized that the government is ready to support Huawei's investment in Thailand, especially in data center development and workforce skill enhancement to create a talent pool for the related industries.

Mr. Nuttapol Rangsitpol, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, said that the government supports the production and use of electric vehicles in Thailand, with tax incentives to attract foreign investment. Currently, there is a 4% excise tax reduction for electric vehicles participating in investment projects, which will expire in 2025. The Ministry will discuss this with relevant agencies to consider further actions. In addition, the Minister of Industry has confirmed that investment promotion will not only focus on tax incentives but also on developing personnel and the domestic supply chain to strengthen Thailand's automotive industry. The Ministry will also adjust tax policies to meet market demands and help foreign companies succeed in investing in Thailand.

Mr. Sumet Tansrisuk, the Acting Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), added that the IEAT is ready to support investments in industrial estates. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is a strategic area where the government promotes tax and investment measures. Companies like GAC Group and BYD already have factories here—GAC Group in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong, and BYD in Wae Industrial Estate, Rayong. The IEAT continuously promotes investment in the EEC to attract foreign investment and develop new industries. It also supports technology and green energy by using AI, 5G, and green energy to upgrade industries and support carbon neutrality policies, as well as promote investment in industrial estates and industrial ports to accommodate the expansion of various industries.

Source：Thai Ministry of Industry

Published by：AMTS Content Marketing Team