Executives from leading global companies, including Coca-Cola, Bayer and Nestle, showed an interest in investing in Thailand during discussions with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the government said yesterday.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said Ms Paetongtarn met high-level executives of the world's leading firms at the 55th WEF in Switzerland.
Among the executives the prime minister met was Stefan Oelrich, a member of Bayer AG's board of management and head of its pharmaceuticals division.
Ms Paetongtarn underlined Thailand's commitment to modernising agriculture and public healthcare, highlighting opportunities for collaboration with the German firm in medical research, healthcare innovation and agricultural advancements.
Mr Oelrich expressed the company's willingness to partner with the government to raise the quality of healthcare services and increase farm output through the use of agricultural innovations.
Another pivotal discussion took place with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of global logistics giant DP World.
Ms Paetongtarn reiterated Thailand's strategic position as a regional logistics hub with large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Land Bridge and high-speed railway systems.
DP World showed strong interest in developing Thailand's logistics capabilities, including expanding its Inland Container Depot (ICD) and studying potential investments in the Land Bridge project to connect Asean with global trade networks, Mr Jirayu said.
The prime minister also met Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestle Asia, Oceania and Africa. She urged Nestle to support Thai farmers in transitioning to modern and sustainable farming practices.
The food conglomerate reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Thailand, announcing plans to expand investments, especially in coffee production, and to provide fair prices and training for Thai farmers.
Additionally, Ms Paetongtarn held talks with Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey.
He pledged continued collaboration, particularly in enhancing livelihoods for farmers.
The prime minister also had a discussion with Michel Demare, non-executive chair of the board of AstraZeneca, about Thailand's potential as a regional medical hub.
