EABC Thailand

ERASMUS+ Scholarship Awardees of 2015
2015-07-16 | Sofitel So Bangkok
The EABC participated in the ERASMUS+ Scholarship 2015 Awarding Ceremony organised by the Delegation of European Union to Thailand, held on Thursday, the 16th of July 2015 at the Sofitel So Hotel Bangkok.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Ambassador Jesus Miguel Sanz, Head of the EU Delegation to Thailand followed by a very inspirational speech by Mrs Anne-Marie Machet; a representative of the EABC’s board of directors. The ceremony was well received, with more than 150 people in attendance, comprising of the Erasmus+ scholarship recipients, Erasmus Mundus alumni, EU Member State representatives, as well as representatives from the European business community in Thailand, including the EABC’s board members.
About the ERASMUS+: Every year; the EU Delegation organizes a reception to congratulate the Thai Erasmus+ (formerly known as Erasmus Mundus) awardees and to offer them a networking opportunity with the Erasmus Mundus alumni, EU Member States representatives and some representatives from European business. The Erasmus+ programme enables and funds a selected group of Thai students to spend 1-2 years in Europe following their studies in European Universities. The awardees and alumni are talented, promising young Thais, with exposure to various European countries each, about to begin their professional careers.

Exclusive Dinner Talk Series with H.E. Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
2015-06-09 06:30 - 21:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk) | Sofitel So Bangkok
EABC Exclusive Dinner Talk Series
“Ease of Doing Business and Transparency Upgrade: Thailand’s Licensing Facilitation Act” by
H.E. Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam, Deputy Prime Minister, Kingdom of Thailand
Date: Tuesday 9 June 2015
Time: 18.30 – 21.00 hrs (registration starts at 18.00 hrs)
Venue: Ballroom, 8th Floor, Sofitel So Bangkok
Dress Code: Business Attire
Biography of Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam, please click here
The Thai Government Cabinet has approved the Thai Licensing Facilitation Act, published in the Royal Gazette on 22 January 2015. This new Thailand’s Licensing Facilitation Act will be effective and announced as a law by July 2015. The main objectives are to reform bureaucratic system and improve the standard of public services, particularly in the areas of processing/ approval period, enhancing transparency, and preventing corruption through reduction of bribery and favoritism.
The Licensing Facilitation Act aims to streamline government-permit procedures. Under the law, all states agencies are required to have a one-stop-service center to facilitate people in seeking services from the Government by coordinating all the works with concerned government departments. In parallel, to improve transparency in doing business in Thailand, the permitting authorities are required to provide a manual for each sort of approval with clear requirements e.g., processing time, related fee, etc. Together, civil servants are also required to inform service users of result of their service request within seven days.
The Licensing Facilitation Act is thus an important step taken by the current Government with an effort to upgrade ease of doing business in Thailand. The EABC has in our Position Papers outlined the need for enhanced transparency in government policies and guidelines in order to ensure a better investment climate for all businesses operating in Thailand as it it enables Thailand to be more competitive.. Once again, in collaboration with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), the EABC is proposing to organize as part of our Insight Series on Enhancing Transparency, an exclusive dinner talk to share the Government insights with the European business community in Thailand the essence, progress, and potential benefits of the Government’s current works toward improving transparency and stemming corruption which will enhance Thailand competitiveness. It is anticipated that this Act will bring more predictability and transparency in doing business in Thailand.
More information on Thailand’s Licensing Facilitaion Act, please click here
Program
18.30-18.45: Opening Welcome
Mr. Rolf-Dieter Daniel
President of EABC
18.45 – 19.00: Introduction Address
Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
19.00 – 19.40: Dinner is served (first and second course)
19.40 – 20.00: Keynote Speaker
Pakorn Nilprapunt
Council of the State
20.00 – 20.30: Q&A session with Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam and Mr. Pakorn Nilprapunt

EABC in Oslo at THAILAND - LAND OF INVESTMENT SEMINAR IN NORWAY
2015-05-22 | Norway
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), was invited by Thailand’s investment promotion agency,
the Board of Investment (BOI) to participate in its investment promotion seminar in Oslo on the 22nd of May 2015 in Norway.
The aim of the event was to inform Norwegian companies about business opportunities in Thailand and present the various support structures in place that are able to assist Norwegian companies interested in doing business in Thailand.
The seminar kicked off with a series of presentations, during which the EABC and its activities to support European businesses in Thailand, were introduced to the particiating Norwegian companies. The event also featured case studies from Norwegian business representitives who have had experience doing business in Thailand as well as a networking session for participants to intereact with the EABC and various other BOI representitives.
The seminar in was well received by the participants.

EABC in Ljubljana at EABC Seminar: THAILAND - YOUR ROAD TO SOUTH EAST ASIA
2015-05-21 | Ljubljana, Slovenia
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce
and Industry of Slovenia recently organized a roadshow seminar in Ljubljana, Slovenia on May 21, 2015.
The aim of the event was to inform Slovenian companies about the various business opportunities in the Thai market market
as well as to also help Slovenian companies, in particular SMEs learn about the services and activities provided by the
EABC to support market entry into Thailand and ASEAN.
The seminar kicked off with a series of presentations in the morning by the EABC’s very own Legal and Policy Experts followed by a networking session, also hosted by the EABC.
The seminar also featured case studies from Slovenian business representitives who have had years of experience doing business in Thailand as well as individual Business to Expert consultation sessions, where Slovenian company representatives
were able to individually consult with the EABC’s experts to further discuss opportunities and receive expert advice on the Thai market.
The seminar was attended by more than 15 Slovenian companies from various sectors and well received by the participants.

EABC President in Aarhus & Copenhagen at THAILAND - LAND OF INVESTMENT SEMINARS IN DENMARK
2015-05-20 - 2015-05-21 | Denmark
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), was invited by Thailand’s investment promotion agency,
the Board of Investment (BOI) to participate in its investment promotion seminars in Aarhus on the 20th of May 2015 and
Copenhagen on the May 21st 2015, in Denmark.
The aim of the event was to inform Danish companies about business opportunities in Thailand and present the various support structures in place that are able to assist Danish companies interested in doing business in Thailand.
The seminars kicked off with a series of presentations, where the EABC’s very own President Mr Rolf-Dieter Daniel introduced the EABC and its activities to support European businesses in Thailand, to the particiating Danish companies. The event also featured case studies from Danish business representitives who have had experience doing business in Thailand as well as a networking session for participants to intereact with the EABC and various other BOI representitives.
The seminar in Aarhus was attended by more than 16 Danish companies from various sectors and well received by the participants.
The seminar in Copenhagen was attended by 34 participants representing various Danish companies who had a strong interest to learn more about the opportunities in the Thai Market and how the EABC could help them.

EABC in Sofia at EABC Seminar: THAILAND - YOUR ROAD TO SOUTH EAST ASIA
2015-05-20 | Sofia, Bulgaria
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), in collaboration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry organized a roadshow seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria on May 20, 2015.
The aim of the event was to inform Bulgarian companies about the various business opportunities in the Thai market market
as well as to also help Bulgarian companies, in particular SMEs learn about the services and activities provided by the
EABC to support market entry into Thailand and ASEAN.
The seminar kicked off with a series of presentations in the morning by the EABC’s very own Legal and Policy Experts followed by a networking session, also hosted by the EABC.
The seminar also featured individual Business to Expert consultation sessions, where Bulgarian company representatives
were able to individually consult with the EABC’s experts to further discuss opportunities and receive expert advice on the Thai market.
The seminar was attended by more than 15 Bulgarian companies from various sectors and was well received by all the participants.

EABC in Tallinn at ASEAN BUSINESS SEMINAR: OPPORTUNITIES IN WORLD's FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
2015-05-15 08:00 - 17:00
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently organized
in collaboration with the EU-Indonesia Business Network (EIBN),EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN), EU-Malaysia Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI), EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN) and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
recently hosted a seminar in Tallinn, Estonia on May 15, 2015.
The aim of the event was to inform Estonian companies about the various business opportunities in ASEAN markets such as
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as to also help Estonian companies, in particular SMEs
learn about the services and activities provided by the various EU-ASEAN Business Networks to support market entry into ASEAN.
The seminar kicked off with a series of presentations in the morning by the each of the EU ASEAN Business Networks Representatives
followed by a networking lunch hosted by the EU-ASEAN Business Netwoorks.
The afternoon session featured individual B2B consultation sessions, where Estonian company representatives were able to
individually consult with each of the EU-ASEAN Business Network experts to further discuss opportunities and receive expert
advice on each of the ASEAN markets.
The seminar was attended by more than 20 Estonian companies from various sectors and was well received by all the participants. The EABC met with severl representatives of companies from Estonia and Iceland who had a keen interest to learn more about the dynamics of the Thai market.

EABC Workshop: The Thai Business Environment
2015-05-15 08:00 - 17:00
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) recenty organized a workshop on May 15, 2015 for the AEclipse Study Association, visiting Bangkok, Thailand as part of their Annual Business Cycle Tour.

AEclipse is a study associaiton for masters students at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands. AEclipse organizes an Annual Business Cycle Tour where students visit a foreign metropolis, with the aim of learnning about the business enviroment and culture of that country. This year the EABC was more than delighted to organize a workshop for the 17 students, during the course of their visit to Thailand.
The workshop featured presentations by the EABC’s very own Policy Manager Dr Pitchaya Sirivunnabood and two of the EABC Board Members, Mr Luca Vianelli (Partner, Managing Director – MDA Consulting SEA) and Mrs Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag Conselvan (Managing Director – Felicia Thailand), as well as Mr Paolo Conselvan (Sales and Marketing Manager – Felicia Thailand).
The event was well recevied by all the students who, through interactive lectures were introduced to the ASEAN region and the EABC activities to support European companies in Thailand. The seminar also featured an economic and cultural overview of the Kingdom followed by exhilirating accounts of the reality of doing business in Thailand, from the perspective of foreign entrepreneurs settled in the naiton. The EABC also hosted a small networking session where all participants were served refreshments, introduced to the rest of the EABC team and were able to further communicate with the guest speakers.
Please click here to download Thailand as an ASEAN hub presentation.
Please click here to download Doing Business in Thailand presentation.

EABC in Riga at ASEAN BUSINESS SEMINAR: OPPORTUNITIES IN WORLD's FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
2015-05-14
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), in collaboration with the EU-Indonesia Business Network (EIBN),
EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN), EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI), EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN)
and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a seminar in Riga, Latvia on May 14, 2015.

The aim of the event was to inform Latvian companies about the various business opportunities in ASEAN markets such as
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as to also help Latvian companies, in particular SMEs
learn about the services and activities provided by the various EU-ASEAN Business Networks to support market entry into ASEAN.
The seminar kicked off with a series of presentations in the morning by the each of the EU ASEAN Business Networks Representatives
followed by a networking lunch hosted by the EU-ASEAN Business Netwoorks.

The afternoon session featured individual Business to Expert consultation sessions, where Latvian company representatives
were able to individually consult with each of the EU-ASEAN Business Network experts to further discuss opportunities and
receive expert advice on each of the ASEAN markets. The EABC itself met with 10 Latvian company representatives from
various indusry sectors such as Services, Manufacturing, IT, Trade, all of whome were very keen to learn more about the Thai
Market and how the EABC is able to provide market entry support.
The seminar was attended by almost 50 Latvian companies from various sectors and was well received by all the participants.

CANCELLED : Joint BCCT/EABC Luncheon on 5 April 2015
2015-05-04 | Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
The event has been cancelled. Sorry in any inconvenince caused.

28 April 2015 Half day conference jointly organised by EABC and JFCCT.DIGITAL ECONOMY: The Industry Speaks
2015-04-28 08:30 - 13:30 | Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Date: 28 April 2015
Time: 08.30 – 13.45 hrs
Venue: Grande Sheraton Sukhumvit
Changes are in the pipeline for ‘ICT’ to become ‘Digital Economy’. Many changes to laws are proposed with new laws coming. Is it cosmetic or real? If real, how will it impact us?
The success of the Digital Economy will, among other things, depend on two critical factors: 1) the efficient deployment of broadband networks and an appropriate structure for the telecoms sector, which is the foundation of the Digital Economy, and 2) a properly governed and trusted internet to harvest the full innovative potential and secure usage of new services.
This half-day conference brings together experience and perspectives from the industry, Government, users and service provides to exchange views and share ideas for the realization of a Digital Economy.

ICT Conference: DIGITAL ECONOMY: THE INDUSTRY SPEAKS on 28 April 2015
2015-04-28
The half day conference ‘Digital Economy – The Industry Speaks’ was held on the morning of Tue 28 April, attended by approximately 100. The conference focused on two key areas of the Digital Economy schematic:
1) The efficient deployment of broadband networks and an appropriate structure for the telecoms sector, which is the foundation of the Digital Economy, and
2) A properly governed and trusted internet to harvest the full innovative potential and secure usage of new services.

This is now the third jointly organised EABC-JFCCT ICT conference. All materials which will form a useful collection point of ideas etc will be uploaded soon. Our special thanks to our Sponsors AIS, DTAC, Uteeni, Eltek; Supporters ATCI, Creative Chiang Mai, ETDA and MPA and also to Rembrandt Hotel for generously contributing the door prize.

Outreach Activities/Roadshows in Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary
2015-04-20 - 2015-04-24
Outreach Activities/Roadshows in Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary
20-24 April 2015

2015 Annual General Meeting and the European Networking night
2015-04-08 | Continental Bangkok Hotel
EABC hosted the 2015 Annual General Meeting and the European Networking night on last Wednesday 8th April 2015 at InterContinental Bangkok Hotel.
The objective of this event is to present ‘EABC- A year in perspective 2014.’
There being quorum presenting of 53 ordinary members and the meeting was held unanimously.
In addition of the special event with the honorable key note speaker H. E. Apiradi Tantraporn; Deputy Minister of Commerce on the topic “Peering Ahead: Thailand- EU Trade Partnership.” The topic was very interesting and would benefit the European investors in Thailand.
The Meeting was followed by the European Networking night where EABC members and guests gathered to enjoy the delicious catering in a relaxing atmosphere.

Breakfast Briefing on 31st March 2015
2015-03-31
EABC hosted the Breakfast Briefing on 31st March 2015 with the objective to be continuously informed of promoting EABC activities 2014 and also follow up the Position Paper 2015 in a smaller group and presented key areas from each of the 10 Working Groups to the MS Embassies and Consortium partners.

EABC in Bucharest at Market Opportunities in ASEAN Seminar
2015-03-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Bucharest, Romania
The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), in collaboration with the EU-Indonesia Business Network (EIBN),
EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN) and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a roadshow seminar in
Bucharest, Romania on March 16, 2015.
The aim of the event was to inform Latvian companies about the various business opportunities in ASEAN markets such as
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as to also help Latvian companies, in particular SMEs
learn about the services and activities provided by the various EU-ASEAN Business Networks to support market entry into ASEAN.
The seminar kicked off with a series of presentations in the morning by the each of the Network Representatives
followed by a networking lunch hosted by the EU-ASEAN Business Netwoorks.
The seminar also featured individual Business to Expert consultation sessions, where Romanian company representatives
were able to individually consult with each of the EU-ASEAN Business Network experts to further discuss opportunities and
receive expert advice on each of the ASEAN markets. The EABC itself met with several Romanian company representatives that were
very keen to learn more about the Thai Market and how the EABC is able to provide market entry support.
The seminar was attended by 30 Romanian companies from various sectors and was well received by all the participants.

European Business Position Paper 2015
2015-03-05
Led by Mr. Rolf-Dieter Daniel, EABC President, Mrs. Lyn Kok, Vice President and Chairperson of EABC Cross Sectoral Issues Working Group and Mr. Michael Grewe, EABC Board Member, and a Chairperson of EABC Automotive Working Group proudly welcomed Miss Chularat Suteethorn, Vice Minister for Finance, Ministry of Finance who presided over the Launch of 2015 European Business Position Paper and a panel discussion on “Strengthening Thai – European Economic Relations towards a More Competitive Thai Economy”. Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Chargé d’affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, Mr. Siriruj Chulakaratana, Deputy Director, Office of Industrial Economics, Dr. Wisarn Pupphavesa, Senior Advisor, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), and Mr. Viriya Chongphaisal, Representative of Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Working Group of EABC also joined the event.
The panel discussion was held successfully, all the attendants had a great opportunity to take note of the current vision and highlighted five recommendations to gear up the Thai economy towards more competitiveness and how to apply ‘Innovation as the mean to break loose from “middle income trap”’Download files

Charge dAffaris Speech_050315.pdf
Closing Remarks_EABC President_EABC Launch of Position Paper 2015.pdf
EABC_Vice Minister for Finance Chularat’s Speech.pdf
Executive summary.pdf
Presentation 1.pdf
Presentation 2.pdf

EU Pavilion at IP Fair 2015
2015-02-27

ITCC & EABC successfully hosted the Breakfast Talk on EU-ASEAN Trade on 22 January 2015
2015-01-22
Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce with support from Embassy of Ireland and The European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) would like to thank you for all the guests who have attended the event on the topic: EU-ASEAN Trade
As the guest speaker: Professor Frances Ruane, Director of the The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) discussed on following details:
– The challenges for building EU- ASEAN trade
– Developing international trade and investment – regional versus global approaches
– The importance of global value chains for newly industrialising countries
– The future use of tax incentives for attracting FDI

Please be ready to be invited for the coming up event “The Launch Event of EABC 2015 Position Paper”
2015-01-01
EABC is delighted to hold the official Launch Event of the third European business Position Paper on Trade & Investment and Recommendations titled “Strengthening European-Thai Economic Relations towards Competitive Thailand”.
Although there was a pause on the WG progress due to political uncertainty in 2013-2014, the discussions have been resumed again since mid-2014. The EABC Advocacy Groups then have started their policy dialogues and prepared the 2015 EABC Position Paper that will cover all the important current issues since 2013, namely customs reforms, new excise tax base, BOI’s new investment promotion scheme, market access, services liberalization, etc.
Therefore; please be ready to be a part of the big event; EABC will keep you intouch for more information regarding date & venue.

EABC Exclusive Lunch Talk - Reviving the Thai Economy and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment - 30 October 2014
2014-10-30 11:30 - 14:00 | Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
EABC is delighted to invite you to take part in:
EABC Exclusive Lunch Talk – Reviving the Thai Economy and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment,
with honorable key note speaker H.E. MR

With honorable key note speaker H.E. MR Pridiyathorn Devakula – Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand (biography)

Date: Thursday 30 October 2014
Time: 11.30-14.00 hrs. (Luncheon)
Venue: Ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (map)

This lunch talk is limited to members of EABC and Consortium Partners only!
Entrance Fee: THB 2,000
Table (8 people) Fee: THB 15,000
Seats are limited and will be on first-come, first serve basis.
Registration is binding. No-shows will be charged.
Registration deadline: 22 October 2014

For more information, please contact events@eabc-thailand.eu or (66) 26700624 ext. 102

Time

Tentative Programme

11.00-11.30
Registration

11.30-11.45

Welcoming Remark
H.E. Jesus Miguel Sanz Escorihuela
Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to
Thailand

11.45-12.15

Key note speech on “2014 Reviving the Thai Economy and
Attracting Foreign Direct Investment ”
H.E. MR Pridiyathorn Devakula
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs

12.15-12.30

Closing Remark
Mr Rolf-Dieter Daniel
President, European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC)

12.30-13.30

Lunch

2014 Platinum Sponsors

opy of EABC Exclusive Lunch Talk - Reviving the Thai Economy and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment - 30 October 2014
2014-10-30 11:30 - 14:00 | Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
EABC is delighted to invite you to take part in: EABC Exclusive Lunch Talk – Reviving the Thai Economy and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment

EABC EXCLUSIVE LUNCH TALK: “2014 Reviving the Thai Economy and Attracting Foreign Direct Investment”

With honorable key note speaker H.E. MR Pridiyathorn Devakula – Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
Date: Thursday 30 October 2014
Time: 11.30-14.00 hrs. (Luncheon)
Venue: Ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (map)

This lunch talk is limited to members of EABC and Consortium Partners only!
Entrance Fee: THB 2,000
Table (8 people) Fee: THB 15,000

Seats are limited and will be on first-come, first serve basis.
Registration is binding. No-shows will be charged
Registration deadline: 22 October 2014

For more information, please contact events@eabc-thailand.eu or (66) 26700624 ext. 102

Time

Tentative Programme

11.00-11.30

Registration

11.30-11.45

Welcoming Remark
H.E. Jesus Miguel Sanz Escorihuela
Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to
Thailand

11.45-12.15

Key note speech on “2014 Reviving the Thai Economy and
Attracting Foreign Direct Investment ”
H.E. MR Pridiyathorn Devakula
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs

12.15-12.30

Closing Remark
Mr Rolf-Dieter Daniel
President, European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC)

12.30-13.30

Lunch

2014 Platinum Sponsors

EABC successfully hosted the Exclusive Lunch Talk on the topic of “ Reviving the Thai Economy and attracting Foreign Direct Investment”
2014-10-30
EABC successfully hosted the Exclusive Lunch Talk with about 200 guests along with its members, high-level diplomatic representatives from European Member States Embassies, EU Delegation and Thai authorities on the topic of “ Reviving the Thai Economy and attracting Foreign Direct Investment” by H.E. MR. Pridiyathorn Devakula; Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand. On 30 October 2014, EABC (European Association for Business and Commerce) has invited its members; members of its Consortium Partners, European Member States Embassies and relevant Thai authorities to join the Exclusive Lunch talk with honourable speech by H.E. MR. Pridiyathorn Devakula; Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Kingdom of Thailand. . This lunch talk was aimed at providing information on EABC as well as its undertakings to enhance European-Thai economic relations particularly EABC support of economic reengagement with Thailand. In addition, this was also an opportunity for the EABC community to be informed of the vision under the purview of the Deputy Prime Minister on reviving the Thai economy and the way forward towards enhancing economic and trade development in Thailand.
The Lunch talk was held successfully; EABC members, members of its Consortium Partners, and representatives from European Member States Embassies and relevant Thai authorities had a great opportunity to take note of the current vision on economic affairs of Thai government as well as to exchange views with the aim to enhance European-Thai economic and trade relations

EABC Outreach in Europe
2014-10-21 08:00 - 17:00

EABC Outreach in Baden-Baden
2014-09-25
On September 25th 2014, Mr Michael Grewe EABC Chairperson of the Automotive Working Group, represented the EABC in a business seminar in Baden–Baden Germany, conducted by the Thailand Board of Investment, and the Investment Section of the Royal Thai Consulate. The seminar served as a platform to inform interested parties of the latest development in government policies, incentives and investment and business opportunities, as well as highlighting tourism activities in Thailand. The event included presentations by commercial section of the Thai Consulate and testimonials from from business leaders of German companies already established in Thailand. Mr Grewe made a presentation on the role of the EABC in Thailand and how it could help European businesses interested in doing business, in Thailand. The audience included several representatives of prominent companies in Germany, several important members of the Royal Thai Consulate in Frankfurt, as well as Mrs Marianne Zorn Honorary Consul of Thailand in Stuttgart.
For more information about the seminar’s program and the list of participants please check the files attached below.

EABC Outreach in Copenhagen
2014-09-24
On September 24th 2014, Mr Patrice Vidon EABC Vice Chairperson of the IPR Working Group, represented the EABC in a seminar on Investing in Thailand, conducted¬ by the Thailand Board of Investment and the Danish Trade Council, in Copenhagen Denmark. The seminar served as a platform to inform interested parties of the latest development in government policies, incentives and investment and business opportunities in Thailand. Mr Vidon made a presentation on the role of the EABC in Thailand and how it could help European businesses interested in doing business, in Thailand. The audience included several representatives of prominent companies in Denmark as well as H.E. Vimon Kidchob, Thai Ambassador to Denmark.
For more information about the seminar’s program please check the file attached below.

EABC at Erasmus Mundus Reception 2014 (9 July 2014)
2014-07-09 | the St.Regis Hotel Bangkok
Mrs. Lyn Kok, EABC Vice President, along with EABC board members, joined the European Union Delegation to Thailand at the Erasmus Mundus Awardee Reception on 9 July 2014 at the St.Regis Hotel to congratulate the EM awardees 2014, as well as to give them some insights from business perspective. Mrs. Kok also gave an inspirational speech to the awardees, encouraging them to be open-minded to adjust to the culture of the country they are going to study in, but also stay true to their heritage and proudly represent where they come from. The reception was attended also by H.E. Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela, Head of the European Union Delegation to Thailand, Ambassadors and representatives of EU member state embassies, as well as Erasmus Mundus Alumni.
{gallery}Erasmus Mundus 2014{/gallery}

Breakfast Talk on Laos - What you need to know about the economy and how to do business there - 8 July 2014
2014-07-08 08:30 - 21:30 | the Bangkok Club
The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), in collaboration with European-ASEAN Business Centre (EABC), Thai – Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC), Netherlands – Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) and European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR (ECCIL), is pleased to invite you to
Date: Tuesday 8 July 2014
Time: 08.00-09.45 hrs.
Location: The St. Regis Bangkok, Astor I Room, 14th Floor (BTS: Rajdamri, map)
Background and Synopsis:
Lao People’s Democratic Republic features one of the highest economic growth rates in the world. It has ample resources, a cheap and good power supply and welcomes foreign investment. In recent years, the country has gradually integrated itself further into the ASEAN and world market.
The breakfast talk will provide you with an up-to-date overview on the country’s economic situation and underlying business opportunities. Furthermore, Dr. Ramon Brüsseler, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR, will be presenting the new investment guide for Lao PDR as well as the result of the salary survey in person at the event.
Programme:
08.00: Registration and Breakfast
08.30: Welcoming Remarks by Mr. Phongsakdi Chaksuvej, GTCC President
08.35: Presentation by Dr. Ramon Brüsseler,
Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry
in Lao PDR (Speaker bio clickhere)
09.15: Q&A
09.45: End of Breakfast Talk
Entrance Fee:
EABC and GTCC Members: THB 900
Non-Members: THB 1,500
*Fee includes breakfast and soft drinks
**Registration is binding. No-shows will be charged**
REGISTER HERE

Automotive Summit 2015
2014-06-24 | BITEC Bangna
Automotive Summit
Opening Ceremony
“ASEAN… The Emerging Automotive Hub of the World”
24 June 2014, Grand Hall 202-203, BITEC Bangna
The EABC was recently invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Automotive Summit organized by Thailand Automotive Institute. The EABC was more than delighted to support the event as a sponsor, striving for the enhancement of knowledge and innovation of testing technology, and the automotive and auto parts testing standards in ASEAN, and what will eventually become the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), through effective business networking and collaborations with the relevant government authorities, business executives, business leader and auto parts manufacturers in the region.
The Automotive Summit is one of the major events of the ASEAN Automotive Industry. The ceremony began with a Welcome Speech by Mr. Vichai Jirathiyut; President of the Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI), followed by a talk on the “Rebirth of the UK’s Automotive Industry: UK Policy and Automotive Road Map” by Mr. Ben Reynolds; Vice President of Mira-Asia. The event also featured a lecture by Mr. Chaiyavat Tangkrock-Olan; Director of Community Products Standard Division from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, on the topic of “ASEAN Automotive Regulation: Standard and quality of Vehicle and Parts to Global Market”
Mr. Jan Ehlen; a member and the representative of the EABC’s Automotive working group, participated in a 4-way Panel discussion on the topic of “Automotive Policy and Investment in ASEAN”. The panellists also included Mr. Wu Huan; President of SAIC Motor-CP, Mr. Thanawat Koomsin; President of Thailand Automotive Industry Association (TAIA) and Mr. Mr. Vichai Jirathiyut; President of Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI).
In the discussion Mr Jan Ehlen highlighted the attractiveness of the ASEAN market with its strong GDP growth, but also brought to centre stage several observations from an European perspective.
Among others, he explained that the over proportionally high taxes on premium cars in ASEAN act as “anti-innovation taxes” that limit high-tech components and innovative product features from gaining a stronger foothold in ASEAN. To this end, he also suggested a more balanced approach for future national automotive policies that currently mostly focus on entry and mass market segments.
In order for ASEAN to develop into a global production hub, Mr Ehlen furthermore recommended for governments and automakers to jointly develop an ASEAN automotive strategy that needs to find answers to the following questions:
1. How to best stimulate innovation and global competitiveness of the ASEAN automotive industry?
2. How serious is ASEAN about road & vehicle safety and protecting the environment?
3. How can ASEAN best improve income per capita and boost workforce skills within the automotive sector?
Over the course of the discussion Mr Vichai Jirathiyut; President of Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) disclosed breaking news, that the Thai Cabinet had finally approved the ‘Proving Ground project’, after being proposed for many years and that the project would be located in the Sanam Chai Khet district, in Chachoengsao Province. This development was excitedly welcomed by many in the business community, many of whom expressed that it was a good sign to see the Thai government take further steps to secure the Kingdom’s Automotive Industry’s future development.

Insight Thailand Roundtable Series I on Transparency
2014-06-19 11:00 - 13:30
EABC together with Thai Institute of Directors (IOD) cordially invite you to Insight Thailand Roundtable Series I on Transparency – How to improve transparency in customs procedures
Background
Transparency and predictability in policymaking and the application of rules and regulations is regarded as essential for a stable business environment in a modern economy. The need for a robust and predictable policy framework and legal environment to serve fair market-based competition and wider societal interests becomes stronger as the Thai economy develops. This will then make it possible to ensure that the drivers of productivity, efficiency and innovation can be strengthened.
According to University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)’s Corruption Situation Index (CSI) in Thailand business and government sectors, the score was 39 points in December 2013 – down from 41 point in June 2013, in which the level above 40 is regarded as critical. From the study, corruption in Thailand last year was estimated to cost 240-330 billion baht compared to the countries overall investment and procurement budget of 2 trillion baht infrastructure investment project and 350 billion baht water management project. The 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by the Berlin-based Transparency International ranked Thailand at 102nd out of 177 countries, down from 88th in previous year interpreting the corruption in Thailand has worsened.
One of the areas where business is widely affected is Customs. Despite a number of commendable efforts aimed at promoting transparency and consistency as well as facilitating trade for importers and international trade entrepreneurs to be more competitive, certain customs practices continue to cause concerns for foreign and local businesses operating in Thailand.
With objective to encourage the private sector to openly share their experience in how to improve transparency in customs procedures, this roundtable discussion serves as a business-driven platform for both Thai and European businesses and stakeholders to come together and discuss potential solutions and recommendations.
Date: Thursday 19 June 2014
Time: 11.00-13.30hrs (Luncheon)
Venue: Sofitel Sukhumvit Bangkok (map)
Entrance Fee
-THB 1,000 for EABC and IOD Members
-THB 1,300 for Non-Members
*Registration deadline: 17 June 2014. Seats are limited and will be on first-come, first serve basis. Registration is binding. No-shows will be charged

Tentative Programme

11:00 – 11:30
Registration

11:30 – 11:40
Welcoming Remarks

11:40 – 12:00
Opening Remarks
Insights from Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), Mr. Areepong Bhoocha-oom (PhD), OPDC Secretary General

12:00 – 13:00
Round table discussion “How to improve transparency in customs procedures”

Mr. Thanakit Permpoonkantisuk, General Manager, Somboon Advance Technology
Mr. Patpong Weesarin, General Manager, Somboon Advance Technology
Ms. Asa Larsson, Senior Director Public Policy South East Asia, DHL
Mr. Wilson Del Socorro, SEA Corporate Relations Director, Diageo Moet Hennessy
Mr. Paul Sumner, Partner , PwC Thailand

Moderator: Lyn Kok, Chairperson of EABC Cross Sectoral Issue Working Group & President and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Thailand

13:00 – 13:30
Networking Lunch

Background of Organisers:
The Thai Institute of Directors Association (IOD) is a leading organization dedicated to improving director professionalism and corporate governance in Thailand. IOD has been at the forefront of promoting good governance practices in the Thai companies. IOD now runs Thailand’s Private Sector Collective Action Coalition Against Corruption on behalf of eight key organisations.
The European ASEAN Business Centre (EABC) is a European Trade Organisation formally established in Thailand as a Trade Association with a primary objective of increasing European Trade and Investment in Thailand. EABC is the project supported by the European Union.
