Over $2b China investment expected: Thai Industry Minister

BANGKOK - A recent roadshow of Thailand to China, during the Thai premier's official trip, is expected to lead to investment in Thailand of over $2.1 billion, the Board of Investment (BoI) under Thailand's Ministry of Industry said on Thursday.

Following the roadshow, it is expected that five large Chinese companies in automotive, machinery, food flavoring and real estate industries are soon to confirm their plans to make over $2.1 billion investment in Thailand.

At the same time, leading Thai businesses have signed business partnership agreement with Chinese partners, which will potentially lead to almost $2.36 billion investment in total, said Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti.

The roadshow, held by the Thai government, took place in Beijing form April 17-20. It was part of the mission of the first official visit of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to China, during April 17-19, to foster Sino-Thai investments.

"Some of those companies have already decided to invest in Thailand. We expect to receive confirmation soon. Other companies are still studying the information, and we are strongly confident that Thailand can be their preferred investment destination." the minister said as quoted in a BoI press release.