Jakarta: The Prime Minister opened a Thai-Indonesian business forum, promoting four economic strategies to create regional value chains. The event took place at the Fairmont Jakarta Hotel, where Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, delivered a special address at the Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum. The theme of the forum was 'Advancing the Indonesia-Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and Halal Economy.' It was organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia in collaboration with the Indonesian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia). The forum was attended by key figures such as Mr. Budi Santoso, Indonesian Minister of Trade; Mr. Hasim Joyohadikusumo, Special Representative of the President of Indonesia; Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Board Member of the Thai Bankers Association and CEO of Bangkok Bank, along with representatives from Thai and Indonesian government and private sectors and more than 300 media members.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister suggested that Thailand and Indonesia upgrade their status from "trading partners" to "co-creating partners," linking production, investment, technology, and innovation to create a robust value chain and expand economic opportunities in the ASEAN region. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Kadin Indonesia and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia for organizing this platform to bridge the public and private sectors, fostering collaboration towards practical projects.
The Prime Minister proposed that Thailand and Indonesia should integrate their "mainland and island" networks, using Thailand as a production hub and Indonesia as a large market and maritime economic gateway. Following discussions with President Prabowo Subyanto, both sides agreed on the necessity to increase opportunities for the people, entrepreneurs, and investors of both countries.
Amid a volatile global economy, the Prime Minister emphasized that deeper ASEAN economic integration 'is not an option, but a necessity,' with Thailand and Indonesia being key drivers. He stressed the importance of reducing obstacles, building confidence, and clarifying regulations to allow the private sector to invest and innovate to its full potential.
Currently, the two countries have a combined trade value of nearly US$20 billion, with an aim to reach US$23 billion soon. With a combined population of over 350 million, the potential for further market growth is significant. The Prime Minister stated that the next goal must extend beyond "trade" to include "joint investment, technology, and added value in the region," proposing four main areas of cooperation:
1. Food security and halal products: Develop a comprehensive halal value chain, upgrading standards and certifications to expand the market for high-value food and agricultural products globally.
2. Logistics, Transportation, and Digital: Reduce trade costs, connect infrastructure, and increase travel between the two countries by supporting new flight routes between Bangkok and Jakarta, and Phuket and Bali, along with the successful investment of Thai Lion Air in Thailand.
3. Finance and the Digital Economy: Expand cooperation between Thai banks in Indonesia and connect the PromptPay-QRIS payment system to further boost ASEAN's digital economy.
4. Energy and Green Economy: Jointly develop clean energy to support future industries such as EVs, AI, and data centers.
In closing, the Prime Minister remarked that the success of Thai-Indonesian relations must be gauged by "what we build together," not merely trade figures, but by strong industries, interconnected supply chains, and a more competitive ASEAN. He expressed hope that the forum would be a starting point for new opportunities, transforming visions into real investments and tangible collaborations.
On this occasion, the private sector expressed gratitude and delight at the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia, the first in 15 years. They agreed with the leaders' commitment to advancing concrete cooperation in areas like trade, which is targeted at US$23 billion. The relationships at the government-to-government, private-to-private sector, and people-to-people levels will enhance the competitiveness and cooperation of both Thailand and Indonesia, strengthening ASEAN's economic position and bargaining power regionally. Furthermore, the Indonesian private sector acknowledges the strengths of both countries in the halal industry, digital connectivity, and food security. They believe the strategic partnership between Thailand and Indonesia will lead to supply chain connectivity, empower SMEs, and pave the way for a better future beyond the ASEAN region.