Economic ties in focus: Thai PM extends invitation to Biden

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently extended an invitation for an official visit to US President, Joe Biden. This invitation was extended during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit that took place in San Francisco. The Thai PM used this platform to assure President Biden of Thailand’s readiness to serve as a base for major American companies’ production, boosting their economic ties.

The 61 year old prime minister shared his conversation with Biden during the APEC’s concluding dinner. He used this opportunity to express his country’s eagerness to foster stronger economic ties with the US, especially in terms of economic growth and development.

This invitation to the US President comes almost a decade after the last official visit by an American President, Barack Obama, from November 18 to November 19, 2012. The responsibility of coordinating the potential visit has been handed over to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his conversation with the media, PM Srettha also revealed his meetings with several significant US companies that have shown interest in investing in Thailand. Companies such as Tesla have expressed their keenness to establish a production base for electric vehicles in the country.

Other companies like Analog Devices (ADI) and Walmart have also shown interest in investment opportunities. ADI is eager to invest in clean energy, while Walmart aims to broaden its range of halal and fresh food.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok-born PM also had a chance to meet with Chinese President, Xi Jinping. Both leaders exchanged well wishes and expressed hope for a fruitful relationship.

“I met several major companies in the US and most of them are interested in investing in Thailand, such as Tesla, which is keen to set up a production base for electric vehicles here. Next week, some of its executives will fly in to inspect a potential location for the factory,” the Thai prime minister said.

Analog Devices, the American semiconductor company, also expressed interest in investing in clean energy, while Walmart hopes to expand its range of halal food and fresh food, PM Srettha added.

The Thai premier’s latest interactions at the APEC Summit indicate a promising future for Thailand’s economic ties with both the US and China, reported Bangkok Post.