Longhua-Thailand Trade & Industrial Conference boosts bilateral ties

The Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC) hosted the Shenzhen Longhua-Thailand Economic Trade and Industrial Matchmaking Conference on Aug. 26, aiming to deepen practical cooperation in cross-border manufacturing, the digital economy, cross-border e-commerce, new energy and other fields.

The event was held with support from the People’s Government of Longhua District, hosted by the LICC, and organized by the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Service Center. Co-organizers included the Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce of Thailand, Kasikornbank (China) Co., Ltd. and Starry Law Firm (Thailand).

The conference featured presentations on Longhua's investment climate, Thailand's investment policies and BOI incentives. Huang Kuibin, general manager of Kasikornbank (China) Shenzhen Branch, gave a presentation on financial services, while the bank’s chief economic adviser discussed Thailand's economic outlook. A legal expert outlined compliance requirements and strategies for Chinese companies expanding into Thailand.

Participants pose for a group photo at the Shenzhen Longhua-Thailand Economic Trade and Industrial Matchmaking Conference held at the Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center(LICC) on Aug. 26. Photos courtesy of LICC

Siwadee Suksawate, director of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)'s Guangzhou office, said BOI offers corporate income tax exemptions for up to 13 years and import-duty exemptions for machinery and raw materials used in export production.

"For Longhua and Chinese companies, BOI’s Industrial Linkage Development Division offers free assistance in sourcing local suppliers, especially in electric vehicles, smart electronics, digital infrastructure and AI," Suksawate said. "We also help Thai firms explore markets such as China and connect with Chinese suppliers."

She also praised the LICC as a two-way platform for both inbound and outbound investment. "If Thai delegations need machinery made in Longhua, we can match supply and demand," she said. "If Longhua investors plan to expand into Asia, BOI Guangzhou is ready to help."

Siwadee Suksawate, director of the Thailand Board of Investment(BOI) Guangzhou Office, speaks at the conference.

Xie Yinyin, vice president of Thai Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce Association of Thailand and Shenzhen manager of Thailand TCT WATASHI GROUP, said Chinese companies entering Thailand often lack local channels and market information.

"The chamber provides legal, tax, employment and distribution support. Collaboration can range from building joint teams to co-developing engineering projects. Our goal is to bring Shenzhen products into Thailand and grow the market together," Xie added.

As 2026 is APEC China Year and Thailand is also an APEC member economy, she sees strong potential for cooperation in Longhua's cross-border e-commerce, AI and low-altitude sectors. "Together, we can drive regional supply chain connectivity," Xie said.