German-Thai Chamber of Commerce:

Germany is one of the top investors in Thailand among European Union countries, with more than 600 German companies operating in Thailand. The economic development of Germany under the country’s “Industry 4.0” strategic initiative represents a strong foundation upon which further cooperation with Thailand may be implemented, in order to realise the opportunities presented under Thailand’s new “Thailand 4.0” economic model; the 10 S-curve industriescentred digital economy, and; the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) has actively promoted bilateral economic relations and supported companies and institutions from both countries, while opening new trade and investment opportunities since 1962. This year, the GTCC celebrated a milestone achievement in having exceeded 600 members. At least 66 German GTCCaffiliated companies operate within the EEC, which is expected to boost links with emerging markets in ASEAN countries as well as in India and China, thus enhancing Thailand’s strategic position as a gateway to ASEAN. Fresh investments by German companies such as Continental Tyres, Mercedes-Benz, and Bosch, totalling over EUR 460 million, will contribute to Thailand’s advancement and boost the country’s employment figures. The German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) Programme was established by the GTCC in 2013, with the aim of fostering the education and training of a skilled workforce in Thailand, and imparting best practices as established by Germany’s vocational education system. Since then, GTDEE has certified over 300 Thai apprentices in high-demand technical professions for employment by German companies.

The GTCC will continue to support German companies and institutions in their cooperative initiatives with their Thai partners, to help drive Thailand’s digital economy and “Thailand 4.0” programme development through innovation and value-added goods and services.