Published on 20/06/2013
BoI signs pact to lure Japanese SMEs The Board of Investment (BoI) formed a partnership with a leading bank in Japan's Kansai region to help attract investments from Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Thailand. BoI secretary-general Udom Wongviwatchai said the investment promotion agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shiga Bank, the largest local bank in Shiga province, with the majority of the bank's clients being SMEs. The bank already set up a branch in Hong Kong and representative offices in Thailand and China. Details of the MoU focus on offering information about Thailand to potential Japanese investors interested in investing here, and arranging seminars and matchmaking activities. "Japanese SMEs want to expand investments overseas, especially in Southeast Asia," he said. "The partnership should boost SMEs' confidence and help attract clients from the bank, especially those from BoI's target industries comprising biotechnology, machinery, pharmarceuticals, healthcare, and renewable energy." In addition to attracting investments, the BoI also focuses on developing connections and supply bases with Thai suppliers.