Bangkok, June 25, 2025 – Mekong Institute (MI) Executive Director, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, participated as a panelist at the “EXIM Thailand and SINOSURE: A Further Step of Business Partnership 2025” seminar, held at Capella Bangkok. The high-level event convened over 120 Thai and Chinese entrepreneurs and policymakers to explore trade and investment opportunities that support inclusive growth in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
Strengthening Regional Supply Chains
As the only intergovernmental organization dedicated to GMS cooperation, MI emphasized the importance of regional supply chain integration, especially between China and ASEAN countries. Mr. Suriyan highlighted the potential of the Thailand-China partnership to create spillover benefits for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, automotive parts, and digital services.
“The deepening Thailand-China economic relationship creates significant opportunities for our member countries to participate in regional value chains,” he said. “MI’s role is to ensure these partnerships lead to inclusive and resilient growth.”
Key Panel Themes Aligned with MI’s Priorities
The seminar addressed three core themes closely aligned with MI’s mission:
- Regional Trade Integration: Participants discussed how Chinese investment in Thailand’s electric vehicles, renewable energy, and digital sectors can generate value chain opportunities for Mekong neighbors.
- Cross-Border Investment Facilitation: Mr. Suriyan encouraged Chinese firms to view Thailand as a strategic entry point to ASEAN, while pointing to the GMS’s comparative strengths in logistics, agriculture, and production.
- Economic Resilience Building: Emphasis was placed on strengthening SMEs and regional cooperation to build economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Strategic Outcomes for the Mekong Region
The panel highlighted concrete areas where MI can expand its support:
- Supply Chain Integration: Tapping into growing trade in electric vehicles and digital technologies.
- Investment Corridor Development: Linking Chinese economic zones in Thailand with markets in CLM countries.
- Digital Trade Facilitation: Supporting GMS participation in regional e-commerce platforms.
Leveraging Financial Partnerships
The event also marked closer collaboration between EXIM Thailand and China’s SINOSURE, offering new trade finance and risk insurance tools for businesses. With THB 2.18 trillion in cumulative export insurance, this partnership offers a robust financial base to expand Thailand-China trade.
MI is positioned to connect Mekong countries with such financial resources through its partnerships with development finance institutions.
Looking Ahead
As Thailand and China deepen ties in high-tech and green industries, MI will continue facilitating regional dialogue and capacity-building to ensure these advancements translate into broad-based development. Planned initiatives include:
- Launching a regional investment promotion framework
- Supporting digital trade skills development for Mekong SMEs
- Establishing a Mekong-China business dialogue platform
MI remains committed to linking bilateral trade with broader regional prosperity through practical cooperation and inclusive strategies.
