Dubai: Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, engaged in discussions with HE Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Chairman and CEO of Dubai Chambers, to support the expansion of trade and investment between Thailand and the UAE. The meeting aimed at leveraging opportunities from the D33 strategy to introduce Thai products into the Middle East market.
According to Thai News Agency, during the official discussion held at the Ministry of Commerce, both parties explored ways to enhance economic relations and promote cooperation between the private sectors of Thailand and the UAE. Mr. Pichai emphasized the importance of bilateral collaboration amidst global economic uncertainties, highlighting Thailand’s readiness to be a key economic partner for the UAE in ASEAN and encouraging Thai businesses to increase their presence in the UAE, particularly through trade exhibitions and business matching activities.
The discussion also focused on creating a sustainable business support system through economic information exchange, joint entrepreneur training, promoting international e-commerce, and strengthening supply chains. These efforts are expected to benefit both nations substantially.
Thailand sees potential in Dubai’s D33 strategy, which seeks to position Dubai as a global business hub. This presents an opportunity for Thailand to promote its trade, investment, and services, especially in sectors like processed food, health, beauty, and wellness tourism. The recent opening of the Dubai International Chamber office in Thailand, the network’s 36th office, is anticipated to facilitate business information exchange and trade promotion activities between the two countries.
HE Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah expressed commitment to furthering economic cooperation, highlighting Thailand as a strategic partner in Asia with potential in the food, agro-processing, creative, and tourism industries. With a goal to double the UAE’s international trade value by 2031, cooperation with Thailand is seen as pivotal.
The UAE acknowledges Thailand’s proficiency in the food industry and aims to collaborate by integrating IT and robotics expertise to enhance productivity and profitability. Mr. Pichai extended condolences to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and acknowledged his efforts in promoting investment opportunities between the two nations, including accelerating CEPA negotiations for mutual business benefits.
Data from the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) indicates that the total trade value between Thailand and the UAE in 2024 was approximately 20,688 million USD, with an 8.53% growth. In early 2025, the trade value reached 7,825.48 million USD, expanding by 31.10%. Thailand’s top exports to the UAE include automobiles, gems, air conditioners, rice, and wood products, while imports are mainly crude oil, jewelry, natural gas, refined oil, and fertilizers.