China and Thailand have maintained close economic ties for decades. 

As part of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to China, an investment and economic forum was held in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province. 

 

The event brought together business leaders from both countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation. 

 

For many Chinese consumers, Thailand is often associated with one thing – durian. 

 

For years, more than 90 percent of Thailand's durian exports have been shipped to China. Last year, the export value exceeded 9 billion US dollars. 

 

Durian is just one example of the deepening trade ties between China and Thailand. But the opportunities extend far beyond the fruit. Here in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, a business forum is bringing together companies from both countries to explore new areas of cooperation. Let's go check it out.

 

The forum was a key stop during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to China. Government officials and more than 600 business representatives from both countries were in attendance. 

ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL Thai Prime Minister "Our aim is to strengthen cooperation with Sichuan in trade, investment, and economic and social development. I firmly believe that new opportunities in the years ahead will further elevate our economic partnership, as the strengths of Thailand and Sichuan complement and reinforce each other."

 

During the event, Thailand's Board of Investment, or BOI, established its Chengdu office. 

China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years. In Sichuan Province, trade with Thailand reached around 42 billion yuan in 2025, or about 6.2 billion US dollars. That's up more than 112 percent year on year. 

Enterprises from both sides see strong potential across a wide range of industries. 

NICOLE TAN Director, Strategic Partnerships, Absolute Clean Energy Public Company "We have two phases. Phase One is already sold out. Most of them are Chinese companies. Now we open for Phase Two. So we are looking forward to welcoming more Chinese investors." 

 

ZHENG LEWEI Representative, Dongfang Electric International Corporation "Thailand's push for clean energy and energy transition presents great opportunities for us. We hope to align with the country's development strategy and further advance cooperation in the energy sector."

 

As Thailand seeks economic transformation, technological innovation is expected to become a new driver for growth and cooperation. 

SUPHACHAI CHEARAVANONT Senior Vice Chairman, Charoen Pokphand Group "I think Thailand can learn a lot and can actually work with China on how to bring out AI technology to the ASEAN region, including Thailand. I think this is a really big area that would uplift the well-being of the people of Thailand, and definitely around the world, if with the right governance and how we best utilize AI for humanity."

 

LENG JUNNING Director, Technology Transfer Department, Sichuan Provincial Artificial Intelligence Research Institute "We can connect Chinese AI companies with partners in Thailand, especially in areas such as agriculture, cultural tourism and AIGC. Through this cooperation, we can bring AI tools, products and algorithms to support digital transformation in Thailand." 

 

As China and Thailand embark on a new "Golden 50 Years of Friendship," businesses on both sides are looking to write new chapters in their partnership. 

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: CGTN