CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

GTCC Breakfast Talk with JP Contagi

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce organised GTCC Executive Breakfast Talk with JP contagi Executive Search on "Human capital as a competitive edge - How to successfully attract and retain key employees for your company" on 4 April 2024 at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. Thanks speakers Mr. Hsiao J. CHIU, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of JP contagi Asia and Mr. Fabian Lorenz, Partner at Luther for providing insights into the essence of human capital to enhance companies' competitiveness.

NRW-ASEAN Summit 2024

GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein was in Bielefeld for the NRW-ASEAN Summit 2024 and joined the dinner reception on 17 April 2024 together with Mr. Nattapong Lathapipat, Consul General at the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Frankfurt Am Main, among other guests of honor.

At the NRW-ASEAN Summit 2024, Dr. Wein provided his insights and detailed information on Thailand’s economic development and business opportunities at a panel discussion on “Seizing opportunities - Southeast Asia, an alternative for NRW companies” along with Managing Directors/representatives of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and CLMV. He also gave informative consultations to business individuals.

GTCC Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Seminar with Luther

GTCC Eastern Seaboard Briefing with Luther Law Firm (Thailand) on "ESG in Thailand" took place in Pattaya on 26 April 2024. Thanks the speakers from Luther Mr. Lukas Baumgärtner, Attorney-at-Law (Germany)/ Rechtsanwalt Associate, and Ms. Arunrat Rattanaarun, Attorney-at-Law & Senior Associate, for providing an overview of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Thailand, especially relevant regulations for businesses in Thailand such as the Draft Climate Change Act, including updates on the German Supply Chain Act and ESG regulations in the European Union (EU), also giving advice on how to implement efficient and meaningful ESG standards within business operations in Thailand.

GTCC Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard

GTCC organised the chamber’s first Eastern Seaboard Networking event of 2024, in collaboration with other eight bilateral chambers of commerce in Thailand. GTCC President Mr. Alexander Donau opened the event which was attended by 150 guests including GTCC members and partners.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the following partners for their great support: Event Partners Dachser, Jungheirich, Luther and Schaeffler Manufacturing; Beverage Partner Ink by Flow Inter; Venue Partner Hilton Pattaya; and co-hosts AmCham, AustCham, BCCT, BeLuThai, CanCham, NTCC, STCC and SATCC.

GTCC Business & Study Trip to Germany “Technology of tomorrow”

GTCC Business & Study Trip to Germany “Technology of tomorrow” by visiting HANNOVER MESSE 2024 and Exclusive Site Visits took place during 20-28 April 2024.

On 22 April 2024, when the delegation from Thailand visited Daimler Truck AG in Mannheim’s industrial zone and Lenze SE (Mechatronics Competence Centre: MCC) in Extertal. Daimler Truck AG is one of the world’s largest global commercial vehicle manufacturers. At this facility in Mannheim more than 4,800 employees produce engines and associated components for all of Daimler Trucks' commercial vehicle divisions around the world. Lenze SE is a leader in Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT). With around 4,000 employees, Lenze stands for exceptional engineering and IT competence in drive and automation technology in more than 45 countries. With its high-quality mechatronic products, powerful systems for machine automation and digitalisation services, Lenze SE designs innovative machine solutions.

During 23-24 April 2024, they visited HANNOVER MESSE, Germany’s premier trade fair that showcases the latest in industrial technology and innovation and provides valuable insights into emerging trends and future industry developments. GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein joined the HANNOVER MESSE as one of the speakers for the forum “Growth Catalyst ASEAN: Diverse Opportunities for Global Businesses,” along with representatives of the German Chambers of Commerce Aboard (AHK) in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

On 25 April 2024, the delegation visited SYSTEMA GmbH and Volkswagen – Die Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden. SYSTEMA is a global provider of automation software solutions for the manufacturing industries and manufacturing process solutions for the shop-floor to the executive suite, including engineering, operations and supply chain. Volkswagen is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. The Volkswagen ID.3 production in Dresden is a testament to the automaker's commitment to sustainable mobility. The production facility for the ID. 3 is CO2-neutral.

On 26 April 2024, they visited Brose's plant in Hallstadt. Brose Group is the world's fourth-largest family-owned automotive supplier. Production of window regulators, door systems, liftgate systems, electronics, plastic carrier plates is based in Bamberg / Hallstadt.

Boon Rawd Brewery Industrial Meister trip to Germany

GTCC organised Boon Rawd Brewery Industrial Meister trip to Germany from 28 April to 5 May 2024, focusing on didactics for automation control system, dual vocational and training, and energy saving, in line with Industry 4.0.

On April 28, the delegation visited the Rhein Köster Research, Development and Production Center, in Munich. The Rhein Köster GmbH is a leading provider of technical education, specialising in the design and development of cutting-edge technical training systems and sophisticated industrial training centers. The participants included GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein; CEO of Rhein Köster GmbH Prof. Eric Moskwa; Director of Global Business Development of Rhein Köster Mr. Luis Jean-Marc Oehme; Director of Corporate Capability and Sustainability Development Group of Boonrawd Brewery Co., Ltd. Mr. Cholawit Suk-Udom, together with the Boonrawd team and GTDEE Senior Manager Dr. Kamonsak Suradom.

The delegation visited Krones AG on April 29 to explore Krones’ production lines for food and beverages: from process technology, filling technology, packaging machines, to IT solutions. The delegates continued their visit to Krones Academy in Neutraubling on April 30, where they shared their experiences with Krones Industrial Meisters in mechatronics/ mechanics.

On May 2, the delegation travelled to Gunzenhausen, visiting Bosch Industriekessel GmbH (Bosch Industrial Heat). They gained an insight into the company’s production for green energy, explored the factory and exchanged their experience with experts. Bosch Industriekessel GmbH has set the benchmark for industrial boiler technology for more than 150 years. Since 2020 it has been driving the industrial boiler portfolio for CO₂-neutral energy sources: Hydrogen, biofuels, green electricity.

On May 3, the delegation visited IHK Stuttgart (Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Stuttgart region) and Ziemann Holvrieka GmbH. At IHK Stuttgart, the delegates focused on dual vocational education and training (DVET) and exchanged their experience with the training consultant in charge of local breweries in the Stuttgart region. For Ziemann Holvrieka GmbH, they explored the "No-Waste-Brewery-Concept" and climate-friendly production of the company. Ziemann Holvrieka has been a leading provider of tanks and process solutions for the beverage and liquid food industry for more than 170 years.

GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with VitalLife

GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center on “Food & Lifestyle Strategies for Longevity & Reduced Cancer Risk” took place on 9 May 2023 at the InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit. Thanks speakers Dr. Wanviput Sanphasitvong, Preventive Medicine Specialist Physician, and Dr. Brian S. Kunakom, Naturopathic Consultant at Esperance Integrative Cancer Clinic, for sharing practical tips on living a healthier life through daily routines and insights into nutrition, cancer-preventive foods, and proactive cancer screenings.

GTCC AFTERWORK Networking May

Following the briefing with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, a networking session of GTCC AFTERWORK was organised. GTCC President Mr. Alexander Donau opened the event welcoming GTCC members, partners and friends in the unique ambience of the luxury InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit. Our sincere gratitude goes to Event Partners Forvis Mazars in Thailand and VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center; our Venue Partner InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit; and all of the guests for making GTCC AFTERWORK May Edition possible.

GTCC Delegation Trip to Germany on “Circular Economy”

GTCC Business & Study Trip to Germany “Circular Economy” took place from 13 to 17 May 2024. The delegation from Thailand visited IFAT Munich 2024, the world's leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management, during May 13-14. The delegates visited the booth of Interzero, one of the pioneers of recycling with over 30 years of experience in the development and implementation of serviceable solutions for the prevention and recycling of waste. They also exchanged with Mr. Tobias Fabian Huinink, Business Director Asia of ALBA Group Asia Limited.

On May 15, they visited Erlos GmbH in Zwickau, exploring the process of plastic recycling, recycling of Li-ion batteries, the use of Li-ion batteries in energy storage systems, and the e-storage solutions. The delegation later visited Interzero Plastics Sorting Leipzig GmbH on May 17 with a focus on the company's closed-loop solutions and innovative plastics recycling.

GTCC Site Visit to Ziehl-Abegg (Thailand)

On 17 May 2024, GTCC members visited Ziehl-Abegg (Thailand) at the Amata City Industrial Estate in Rayong. Thanks Ziehl-Abegg (Thailand)’s Managing Director Mr. Mario Koenig and his team for the warm welcome and informative site visit experience given to us.

Ziehl Abegg, a global manufacturer of fans, drive systems and control technology, offers innovative and intelligent ventilation solutions to the global market. The facilities here are very modern, clean and efficient to produce high-quality products.

The high-performance composite material ZAmid developed in-house by Ziehl Abegg is stable, corrosion-free, lightweight and 100% recyclable, making Ziehl Abegg a pioneer in the field of ventilation technology.

GTCC Gala Night 2024

On 24 May 2024, GTCC proudly organised "GTCC Gala Night", the chamber’s most exclusive event of the year and a special networking platform for key decision-makers in the GermanThai business community. The event welcomed several esteemed guests and guests of honour Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy Bangkok Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck and his spouse at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following partners for their generous support:

• [Silver Partners] BMW Group Thailand, DACHSER, Lufthansa the German Airlines, Mercedes-Benz Thailand, and Schaeffler Manufacturing Thailand;

• [Beverage Partner] Paulaner by Flow Inter;

• [In-kind Partners] Bumrungrad International Hospital, Häfele Thailand, and Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa; and;

• [Media Partners] Focus Media Thailand and Prestige Thailand.

High-level business seminar with EECO

GTCC Executive Director delivered an opening speech at a high-level business seminar “Forging Stronger Business Partnerships on Bio-Circular-Green Economy in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand" organised in Frankfurt on 6 June 2024 by the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO), the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Frankfurt in partnership with GTCC and the IHK Frankfurt.

The event outlined the strategic importance of the EEC area for the further economic development of Thailand with a special focus on bio-based industry, green energy including hydrogen technology, green solution services, as well as further potential for German-Thai business cooperation.

Third GTCC Members Meet-Up

GTCC proudly hosted the third New Members Meet-Up of 2024 on 11 June 2024, welcoming the chamber’s new member companies including Emerhub Consulting (Thailand) Ltd., TERAO Asia and Lux Royal (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Furthermore, the new representatives of Wuerth (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Eastin Grand Sathorn Bangkok also participate in this engaging event.

Bavarian delegation visits Thailand

On 12 June 2024, GTCC had the pleasure of welcoming the Bavarian delegation led by State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt, Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. The delegation included representatives of the following organisations/ companies: 1) Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy; 2) CSU State Parliamentary Group; 3) Die Grünen Parliament Group; 4) Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia Bayreuth; 5) Liebherr Verzahntechnik GmbH; 6) WEILER Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH; 7) Bayerische Landesbank; 8) WORKERBASE GmbH; 9) EUROS Embedded Systems GmbH; 10) Dietze & Schell Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG; 11) Leicher Engineering GmbH; 12) Bayern International GmbH; 13) Intec Automationsprodukte für Industrietechnik GmbH; 14) VDMA Bayern; 15) NürnbergMesse GmbH; and 16) IMO GmbH & Co. KG

GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein, German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ernst Reichel and Director Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos of Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) Mr. Thomas Hundt gave a comprehensive overview of Thailand's political landscape, economic development, business opportunities and German businesses in Thailand.

• RECEPTION DINNER HOSTED BY GTCC AND A MEETING WITH EECO

Reception dinner for the Bavarian delegation was hosted by GTCC on 12 June 2024 featuring a special presentation by Secretary General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), Dr. Chula Sukmanop, on Thailand’s EEC. German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ernst Reichel also joined the reception.

• VISITING PROPAK ASIA

On 13 June 2024, the Bavarian delegation visited ProPak Asia, the Bavarian Pavilion and exhibition booths of GTCC members. ProPak Asia is the region’s leading international trade event for food, drink & pharmaceutical processing & packaging technology. This year’s ProPak Asia took place during 12-15 June 2024 at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Thailand.

• “MEET THE BAVARIAN DELEGATION”

GTCC organised a business matchmaking session “Meet the Bavarian Delegation” on 13 June 2024 at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit for participating GTCC members and partners to establish useful contacts and engage in fruitful exchanges with the representatives of the Bavarian companies.

• MEETING WITH AMBASSADOR OF EUROPEAN UNION IN THAILAND

On 14 June 2024, State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt, his team and GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein had a meeting with H.E. David Daly. Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand. Mr. Johannes Kerner, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the German Embassy Bangkok also joined the meeting at the European Union Delegation office.

• MEETING WITH THAILAND’S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF COMMERCE

On the same day, they had a meeting with H.E. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce. The German Ambassador also handed over the invitation for Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) 2024 in New Delhi to the Deputy Prime Minister.

• MEETING WITH THAI MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Secretary and his team, German Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ernst Reichel and GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein had a meeting with H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

• MEETING WITH THAILAND BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

The Bavarian delegation and GTCC Executive Director had a meeting with Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) represented by Deputy Secretary General Mr. Wirat Tatsaringkansakul on 14 June 2024, on Thailand's new investment strategy and business opportunities. BOI Executive Director, International Affairs Division Ms. Tanita Sirisap also joined the meeting.

• VISITING GTCC MEMBER COMPANIES

On 14 June 2024, the Bavarian delegation visited two GTCC member companies: Brückner Group Asia-Pacific and GROB Thailand. On the next day (15 June 2024) the delegation visited two GTCC member companies 1) BMW Barcelona Motor Vibhavadi and 2) SOMIC Packaging Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. prior to their infrastructural exploration of Bangkok and farewell lunch.

- Brueckner Group Asia-Pacific has been in operation since 2022 as the new platform company of The Brückner Group, to strengthen the presence of all Group companies such as Brückner Maschinenbau and Brückner Servtec, Kiefel and PackSys Global in the AsiaPacific region. The delegation was welcomed by Sales Director at Brueckner Group Asia-Pacific Co., Ltd. Mr. Xaver Sedlmeier.

- GROB Thailand Application Center, founded in 2022, is the central contact point for GROB Asia Pacific. GROB present its machines as well as other products from the GROB portfolio and build a bridge between GROB Germany and GROB Asia Pacific through the center. Its main business in the Asia-Pacific region is the sales and service of GROB products. The delegation was welcomed by Managing Director of GROB Asia Pacific (GAP) Mr. Uwe Wedler.

- At the BMW Barcelona Motor Vibhavadi, the delegates were welcomed by President and CEO of BMW Group Thailand Mr. Rene Gerhard and Sales & Marketing Director of BMW Barcelona Motor Co. Ltd. Mr. Kawin Leenutaphong. They received an overview of BMW Training Programme in cooperation with GTCC and an introduction to the GermanThai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) project by GTDEE Senior Manager Dr. Kamonsak Suradom, before exploring the facilities.

- At the SOMIC Packaging Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., the delegation was welcomed by Director Sales International of SOMIC Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co.KG Mr. Barth Lothar and SOMIC APAC Managing Director Sales Mr. Lukasz Myszkowski. A short introduction of SOMIC with a presentation on SOMIC APAC’s establishment in Thailand was provided, followed by the company’s machine demonstration.

GTCC AFTERWORK Networking June

GTCC organised a networking event entitled “GTCC AFTERWORK” on 13 June 2023, welcoming about 170 people including State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt, Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, members of the Bavrian delegation, GTCC members, partners and friends. GTCC President Mr. Alexander Donau welcomed all guests with his opening speech, followed by special remarks by the Bavarian State Secretary.

GTCC would like to express our sincere gratitude to Event Partners Forvis Mazars in Thailand, Luther and Rhenus Logistics; and Venue Partner Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit for their generous support to this event.