Ekniti Leads BOI Delegation to Japan to Boost Investor Confidence and Court High-Tech Industries
Source: Nation Thailand
Publication Date: November 20, 2025
URL: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/investment/40058504
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas led a high-level delegation from Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) to Japan, aiming to strengthen investor confidence and attract Japanese investment in high-tech industries.
Delegation Objectives
- High-Tech Industries: Targeting semiconductor, robotics, and AI investments
- Infrastructure Projects: Promoting participation in Thai infrastructure development
- Green Technology: Attracting investment in renewable energy and environmental technology
- Digital Economy: Collaboration on digital transformation and fintech solutions
Strategic Priorities
- Economic Partnership: Deepening Thailand-Japan economic relationship
- Technology Transfer: Facilitating Japanese technology transfer to Thailand
- Supply Chain Integration: Enhancing integration into Japanese supply chains
- Market Access: Improving Thai access to Japanese markets
High-Level Meetings
Government-to-Government Discussions
- METI Engagement: Meetings with Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
- Prime Minister Level: Discussions at highest political levels
- Policy Coordination: Alignment of economic policies and priorities
- Joint Initiatives: Development of collaborative economic projects
- Keidanren Meetings: Engagement with Japan’s largest business federation
- Industry Associations: Sector-specific business group discussions
- CEO Roundtables: Direct engagement with Japanese corporate leaders
- Investment Forums: Presentation of Thai investment opportunities
Target Industries
Semiconductor and Electronics
- Chip Manufacturing: Attraction of semiconductor fabrication facilities
- Component Production: Investment in electronic components and assemblies
- R&D Centers: Establishment of research and development facilities
- Supply Chain Development: Integration into global electronics supply chains
Robotics and Automation
- Industrial Robotics: Manufacturing facilities for robotic systems
- Service Robotics: Healthcare and service industry applications
- Automation Solutions: Factory automation and smart manufacturing
- Technology Transfer: Japanese robotics expertise transfer to Thailand
Renewable Energy and Green Technology
- Solar Technology: Solar panel manufacturing and installation
- Wind Energy: Wind turbine production and maintenance facilities
- Battery Technology: Electric vehicle and energy storage solutions
- Environmental Services: Clean technology and waste management
Investment Incentives Offered
BOI Special Programs
- Tax Incentives: Corporate income tax exemptions for qualified projects
- Import Duty Relief: Duty-free imports of machinery and equipment
- Land Allocation: Priority access to industrial estate land
- Infrastructure Support: Government-funded infrastructure development
Sector-Specific Benefits
- R&D Support: Grants for research and development activities
- Training Programs: Skilled workforce development support
- Technology Access: Facilitated access to Thai technology ecosystem
- Market Access: Enhanced access to ASEAN markets
Current Japanese Investment Landscape
Existing Investments
- Total Japanese FDI: $15 billion accumulated investment in Thailand
- Major Investors: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony, and other Japanese conglomerates
- Employment Impact: 300,000+ jobs created by Japanese companies
- Export Contribution: Significant contribution to Thai manufacturing exports
Growth Sectors
- Automotive: Continued expansion of automotive manufacturing
- Electronics: Growth in consumer electronics and components
- Chemicals: Petrochemical and specialty chemical production
- Food Processing: Investment in food manufacturing and processing
Economic Cooperation Framework
Bilateral Agreements
- Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership: Comprehensive economic cooperation framework
- Investment Protection: Bilateral investment treaty provisions
- Tax Cooperation: Avoidance of double taxation agreement
- Customs Cooperation: Streamlined customs and trade procedures
Regional Integration
- RCEP Participation: Joint participation in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
- ASEAN-Japan Relations: Thailand facilitating ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation
- Supply Chain Resilience: Development of resilient regional supply chains
- Standards Harmonization: Alignment of technical and regulatory standards
Challenges and Opportunities
Investment Barriers
- Labor Skills Gap: Addressing skilled workforce shortages
- Infrastructure Gaps: Improving transportation and logistics infrastructure
- Regulatory Complexity: Streamlining business registration and operations
- Competition: Competing with other Asian investment destinations
Competitive Advantages
- Strategic Location: Gateway to ASEAN markets
- Business Environment: Improved ease of doing business rankings
- Quality Workforce: Growing pool of skilled professionals
- Government Support: Comprehensive investment promotion programs
Technology Transfer Initiatives
Knowledge Exchange Programs
- Technical Training: Japanese expertise transfer through training programs
- Joint Research: Collaborative R&D projects between Thai and Japanese institutions
- Technology Licensing: Facilitated technology transfer and licensing agreements
- Innovation Hubs: Establishment of joint innovation and incubation centers
Capacity Building
- Educational Partnerships: Collaboration between Thai and Japanese universities
- Skills Development: Vocational training programs for high-tech industries
- Management Training: Executive development programs for Thai managers
- Quality Systems: Implementation of Japanese quality management systems
Future Investment Pipeline
Planned Projects
- Semiconductor Complex: Large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facility
- EV Battery Plant: Electric vehicle battery production facility
- Green Energy Park: Renewable energy technology development center
- Digital Innovation Hub: AI and digital technology research center
Expected Outcomes
- Investment Volume: $2-3 billion in new Japanese investment commitments
- Job Creation: 20,000+ new high-tech jobs created
- Technology Transfer: Significant advancement in Thai technological capabilities
- Export Growth: Enhanced manufacturing export capabilities
Strategic Importance
Economic Development
- GDP Contribution: High-tech industries contributing to economic diversification
- Productivity Gains: Technology-driven improvements in manufacturing efficiency
- Innovation Ecosystem: Development of Thailand’s innovation and startup ecosystem
- Global Competitiveness: Enhanced positioning in global value chains
Bilateral Relations
- Strategic Partnership: Strengthening Thailand-Japan strategic relationship
- Security Cooperation: Enhanced defense and security collaboration
- Cultural Exchange: Deepened people-to-people connections
- Regional Stability: Contribution to regional economic and political stability
Implementation Roadmap
Short-term Actions (2026)
- Investment Commitments: Securing concrete investment project commitments
- Project Approvals: Fast-track approval processes for qualified projects
- Infrastructure Development: Targeted infrastructure development for new projects
- Workforce Preparation: Skills training programs for project requirements
Medium-term Goals (2027-2030)
- Technology Parks: Development of specialized technology industrial estates
- Innovation Clusters: Creation of industry-specific innovation clusters
- Supply Chain Integration: Deeper integration into Japanese corporate supply chains
- Market Expansion: Joint market development in third countries
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti’s Japan mission represents a strategic initiative to accelerate Thailand’s transition toward a high-tech, innovation-driven economy through enhanced Japanese investment and technology partnership.