「I want to spread excellent culture, technology, and services overseas of Japan.」 With this thought in mind since my student days, I took my first step in Bangkok, Thailand in 2014.
10 years later, in 2024, approximately 2,300 manufacturing companies have already entered Thailand, and the local procurement rate of Japanese companies has reached a high level of about 60%. Although Japanese manufacturers dominated the new car sales market in Thailand, accounting for nearly 90%, in 2023, Chinese manufacturers, mainly focusing on EVs, have acquired about 10% of the market share. The Thai government has set a policy of "30@30" aiming for 30% of cars manufactured in Thailand to be EVs by 2030, predicting the further rise of Chinese EV manufacturers.
Given this market environment and the growth of local small and medium-sized manufacturers in Thailand, many Japanese companies in Thailand are exploring entry into the "non-Japanese" sector. Therefore, from the end of 2023, I visited mid-sized to large Thai local companies and investigated the possibility of matching with Japanese companies. I confirmed the high level of interest in the "technology" that Japanese companies possess. Moving forward, we aim to expand our support by considering open innovation-type matching between Japan and Thailand.
Currently, the EV market is attracting attention in Thailand, but the Thai government is promoting the "BCG Economic Model" to expand environmental businesses. Under the "Thailand 4.0" policy, they aim to become the hub of ASEAN region in the aircraft industry (MRO field), and new industries are emerging.
In these industrial fields, it is difficult for Thai companies to independently develop technology. Therefore, not only the manufacturing industry but also major local conglomerates are seeking the "technology" of Japanese companies, and the activities of Japanese companies are highly anticipated.
There is a need for new frontiers towards the further development of Japan and Thailand. Although our contribution may be small, our staff is committed to advancing new business support that leads to the establishment of this frontier. Please look forward to it.
Representative Biography
Graduated from Waseda University’s Faculty of Law in 2004. Engaged in the formulation of medium-term management plans and support for launching new businesses for small and medium-sized enterprises at a consulting company listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. During high school and university, experienced different cultures through studying abroad and realized the excellence of Japanese culture, leading to the decision to engage in the export of Japanese culture in the future. With this aspiration, came to Thailand in 2014, participated in Factory Network Asia (now NC Network Asia) from its founding, and worked in the matching business for the manufacturing industry. In 2021, founded NC Biz Center with the aim of supporting fields other than manufacturing, and has been working as a bridge between Japan and Thailand with the cooperation of invested companies. Serving as a JETRO Bangkok coordinator from 2024.
Most recent update:2024-06-27