BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and Luxembourg are exploring opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties, focusing on sectors such as financial services, advanced technology, and industrial manufacturing. Discussions also highlighted Luxembourg’s interest in expanding its investments in Thailand, particularly in the automotive sensor equipment industry.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Patrick Hemmer, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Thailand, to discuss these opportunities.
Luxembourg, recognized as a major European financial hub, currently invests in Thailand’s logistics, satellite, steel, and glass sectors. Ambassador Hemmer expressed Luxembourg’s intent to deepen economic cooperation and expand its presence in Thailand’s growing industries.
During the meeting, Minister Pichai sought Luxembourg’s support, as a member of the European Union, in advancing negotiations for the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA aims to boost economic development and create more trade and investment opportunities between Thailand and the EU’s 27 member states. Ambassador Hemmer affirmed Luxembourg’s readiness to support the initiative and expressed hope that Luxembourg could serve as a gateway for Thai products into the EU market.
Executives from Guardian Glass Europe, a leading glass manufacturer headquartered in Luxembourg, also conveyed interest in expanding their operations in Thailand. They raised concerns about challenges such as energy costs, anti-dumping measures on glass products from Taiwan, and stricter standards imposed by Malaysia. In response, Minister Pichai directed relevant agencies to collaborate with the company to address these issues promptly. (NNT)
