Mini EEC Fair 2024 Kicks Off to Boost Investment in the EEC Establishing Thailand as a Global Trade and Investment Hub

Pattaya, October 8, 2024 - The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, in collaboration with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office or EECO, is organizing the Mini EEC Fair 2024 from October 8-9, highlighting the concept "EEC Opportunities: Investment Solutions Towards Sustainable Locals." The event aims to attract investment in strategic future industries to drive the Thai economy. The fair was officially inaugurated by Mr. Thawatchai Srithong, Governor of Chonburi Province, at The Zign Hotel Pattaya, Chonburi Province. The event has drawn over 2,500 participants from both Thailand and abroad.

Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office, stated in the opening ceremony, “Mini EEC Fair 2024 is a key platform showcasing the readiness of the EEC region to support investment. With infrastructure readiness, supportive policies, and new attractive incentives, we are confident that this event will mark the beginning of new investments that will significantly drive Thailand’s economic growth.”

He further emphasized the EEC’s importance as a destination for investors. Currently, attracting investment requires planning and responsiveness to upcoming trends, as investment is an important factor in revitalizing and creating economic opportunities. “The EEC is well-prepared with new incentives, legal frameworks, logistics, infrastructure, utilities, and an environment conducive to attracting substantial investment into Thailand.”

Mr. Puripan Bunnag, TCECB Senior Vice President, added, “The Mini EEC Fair 2024 leverages MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) to enhance Thailand’s potential as an investment hub. This event not only demonstrates MICE’s ability to connect investors and entrepreneurs but also highlights its role in driving new business and investment opportunities in the EEC, particularly in the 12 existing target industries and the 5 new high-potential industries. Especially in the health and medical tourism industries, which are key targets for Thailand’s economic future. Promoting these industries will enhance Thailand’s competitive edge and contribute to sustainable economic growth."

Key activities at the event included a keynote address by Dr. Chula Sukmanop on “EEC Opportunities: Investment Solutions Towards Sustainable Locals,” outlining the vision and future development of the EEC. Following that, a panel discussion titled “The Role of the Financial Sector in Supporting Investment in the EEC” featured representatives from the Stock Exchange of Thailand and leading financial institutions from both Thailand and abroad. This session provided new perspectives on financial opportunities for investors in the EEC.

In the afternoon, the event featured presentations on “5 Clusters Business Opportunities: Status/Eco System/New Trend,” covering business opportunities in five targeted industries: Electric Vehicles, Digital, BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy), Healthcare, and Services. Directors from various departments of the EEC Office presented the status, ecosystem, and emerging trends in these industries.

Additionally, seminars on investment support in the EEC region covered topics such as EECi, human resource development, and 5G applications in industries. Another key focus was the EEC OSS (One-Stop Service), designed to facilitate decision-making for investors.

One of the event’s highlights was the seminar on “Trends for Enhancing Country’s Competitiveness,” which included a lecture on “Increasing High Business Potential for Future Competitiveness” by the TMA Center for Competitiveness and a panel discussion on “Support for Start-ups in the EEC,” featuring experts from leading financial institutions, successful Fintech companies, and innovation investment funds. This session explored ways to enhance business capabilities and support start-ups in the EEC, focusing on finance, technology, and investment, ultimately strengthening Thailand’s business ecosystem and competitiveness.

Another key attraction was the “Thailand EEC Wellness MICE Destination” seminar, including a special session on “Shaping the Future of Wellness Investment in the EEC.” This seminar featured top experts sharing insights on investment opportunities in wellness and healthcare, emphasizing the EEC’s potential as a global hub for medical tourism and MICE.

The event also showcased the “EEC Medical & Wellness Hub for the Future,” aiming to develop the EEC into a world-class medical and wellness center. This initiative focuses on healthcare infrastructure development, medical innovation, and quality service enhancement to cater to both domestic patients and international medical tourists. The showcase also included innovations in healthcare from leading educational institutions in Eastern Thailand and discussions on human resource development to support the growth of the EEC.

The Mini EEC Fair 2024 will continue until October 9, 2024. Those interested in attending on the final day can register on-site or contact the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) at 02-694-6000 or the Eastern Economic Corridor Office at 02-033-8000 for more information.