Thailand and Australia aim to deepen trade and investment relations as Thailand seeks to promote Thai cuisine in Australia through the Thai Select programme, while Australia looks ahead to its 2040 Southeast Asia Investment Strategy.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun met the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on Friday at the Commerce Ministry to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation and fostering closer ties between the private sectors of both countries.
Ms Suphajee said both sides exchanged views on trade and investment strategies and shared priorities in education, healthcare, tourism, culture, and sustainable development.
ACT aims to become a leader in green technology and innovation, while Thailand is promoting agricultural technology, precision farming, and the application of new technologies to address climate change challenges.
She added that Australia is advancing its Southeast Asia Investment Strategy towards 2040 to drive regional economic growth.
At the same time, Australia is seeking foreign investment in integrated housing projects — a national priority — and supporting innovation and start-ups through networks and business incubator centres in Canberra.
Ms Suphajee also highlighted opportunities to expand the Thai Select programme — a government certification recognising authentic and high-quality Thai restaurants — given the strong popularity of Thai cuisine in Australia.
Australia, in turn, commended Thailand’s success as a leading tourist destination and expressed interest in learning from Thailand’s experience in managing its hospitality industry.
She said the meeting underscored a partnership focused on sustainable economic growth.