The Board of Investment (BoI) is preparing to organise roadshows overseas, with Japan the first destination, as it aims to bolster foreign investment in five categories emphasising creativity and high technology.
The categories comprise electric vehicles (EVs), smart electronics, digital technology, bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic development projects and creative industries.
While BCG involves manufacturing of value-added products with no or minimal impact on the environment, creative industries make use of art and cultural power to create products and services.
"These five categories will be a gamechanger for investment in Thailand," said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BoI.
Categories such as EVs have potential for strong growth because Thailand is a major car manufacturing base in Asean and the government already set clear policies to promote more environmentally-friendly cars.
Earlier in February, the cabinet approved a package of incentives including tax cuts and subsidies to promote EV consumption and production between 2022 and 2023.
The BoI roadshows in Japan are slated for November and December.
"Japan will be the first country we will visit because Japan is our major investor," said Mr Narit, adding Tokyo and Osaka will be the focus of the investment promotion campaign.
From January to September this year, Japan was ranked third in the top foreign direct investment sources, with investment value of 37.6 billion baht, according to the BoI.
In first place was China (45.0 billion baht), followed by Taiwan (39.3 billion baht).
"We may go to China after Japan if the country reopens," said Mr Narit.
Beijing has restricted travel to and from its country during the Covid-19 pandemic. While its zero-Covid policy can contain the virus well, it comes at a cost to the economy.
