Thai investors on Thursday expressed readiness to expand their businesses to the Philippines in separate meetings with President Aquino III, who is in Thailand for a state visit.
Communications Strategy Secretary Ricky Carandang, who is with the President in Thailand, said the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group wants to expand its agribusiness to the Philippines because the foot-and-mouth disease is not prevalent in the country.
Aquino met with Dhanin Chearavanont, CP chairman and CEO; Adirek Sripratak, president and CEO of CP Foods PLC; and Pinij Kungvankij, senior vice president of CP Foods PLC.
Siam Cement Group, which owns Mariwasa tiles, also expressed interest in expanding its business. Siam Cement is also looking at investing in the Philippine power sector, Carandang said.
Aquino conferred with SCG president and CEO Kan Trakulhoon, SCG vice president for finance and investment Chaovalit Ekabut, SCG vice president for corporate administration Aree Chavalitcheewingul, SCG Paper president Roongrote Rangsiyopash, SCG Building Materials president Pichit Maipoom, and corporate planning director Bunn Ksemsup.
PTT Public Company Limited, on the other hand, expressed interest in liquefied petroleum gas, Carandang said.
Aquino meanwhile invited PTT president Prasert Bunsumpun, executive vice president Chavalit Punthong, and senior vice president Sarun Rungkasiri to consider putting up terminals for compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations for CNG–run businesses in the country.
Carandang said PTT did not make any commitment but said the company will consider the offer.
Bilateral talks
Aside from the meeting with the top Thai businessmen, President Aquino will be holding bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
They are expected to discuss issues and programs on agriculture, drug trafficking, regional ties, and participation in international forums which would strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The two leaders will convene a joint news conference and then attend an official dinner.
While in Thailand, Aquino will be conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in economics by the Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s leading public universities.
President Aquino will also be meeting with the Filipino community in Thailand.
At least 14,910 Filipinos live and work in Thailand as English teachers, musicians, corporate executives, and administrative and technical staff of the United Nations agencies and other international organizations. — PE/VS
