Growing Economic Synergies Between Hong Kong and Thailand
Hong Kong and Thailand strengthen bilateral trade and business collaborations
In an exclusive discussion with The Nation, Parson Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (HKETO), outlined recent frameworks from Hong Kong aimed at fostering economic opportunity with Thailand.
The HKETO serves to strengthen ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Thailand, emphasizing robust collaboration in trade, culture, and tourism.
Hong Kong plays a vital role as a global business hub under its 'one country, two systems' framework, allowing it to maintain its distinct economic and judicial systems while being part of China.
Lam noted the city's edge with a low tax environment, comprehensive transport links and free capital flow, providing an attractive destination for global businesses.
Key initiatives from the 2024 Policy Address aim to reinforce Hong Kong’s leadership in trade, finance, and shipping.
The city seeks to fortify its position as a high-value-add supply chain service hub.
Proposals include supporting businesses from Mainland China and abroad, including Thailand, to establish trading centers in Hong Kong.
Additionally, the city plans a reduction in liquor duties to enhance its status as a leading liquor trading center and to further develop industries such as logistics and tourism.
In finance, Hong Kong is enhancing its preeminence as an international financial center, focusing on expanding its offshore RMB business, green finance, and fintech industries.
Notable plans include broadening RMB-denominated investment products and improving cross-border payment efficiencies.
In maritime affairs, Hong Kong aims to bolster its status as an international shipping center through tax incentives and promoting services like shipbroking and maritime insurance.
The trade partnership between Thailand and Hong Kong saw bilateral trade reach USD 19 billion in 2023, with Hong Kong being one of Thailand's top five foreign investors by 2024. Hong Kong is committed to furthering trade relations with Thailand, leveraging initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to facilitate joint opportunities and growth.
In parallel economic developments, a Chinese delegation led by Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, visited Thailand in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.
They participated in forums and trade shows to enhance bilateral industrial and supply chain collaborations.
Chinese firms emerged as the largest foreign investors in Thailand during 2024, with substantial investments across diverse sectors such as property, construction, and retail.
Investment from Chinese companies in industrial estates also surged, demonstrating a growing trend of business engagement between Thailand and both Mainland China and Taiwan.
The HKETO serves to strengthen ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Thailand, emphasizing robust collaboration in trade, culture, and tourism.
Hong Kong plays a vital role as a global business hub under its 'one country, two systems' framework, allowing it to maintain its distinct economic and judicial systems while being part of China.
Lam noted the city's edge with a low tax environment, comprehensive transport links and free capital flow, providing an attractive destination for global businesses.
Key initiatives from the 2024 Policy Address aim to reinforce Hong Kong’s leadership in trade, finance, and shipping.
The city seeks to fortify its position as a high-value-add supply chain service hub.
Proposals include supporting businesses from Mainland China and abroad, including Thailand, to establish trading centers in Hong Kong.
Additionally, the city plans a reduction in liquor duties to enhance its status as a leading liquor trading center and to further develop industries such as logistics and tourism.
In finance, Hong Kong is enhancing its preeminence as an international financial center, focusing on expanding its offshore RMB business, green finance, and fintech industries.
Notable plans include broadening RMB-denominated investment products and improving cross-border payment efficiencies.
In maritime affairs, Hong Kong aims to bolster its status as an international shipping center through tax incentives and promoting services like shipbroking and maritime insurance.
The trade partnership between Thailand and Hong Kong saw bilateral trade reach USD 19 billion in 2023, with Hong Kong being one of Thailand's top five foreign investors by 2024. Hong Kong is committed to furthering trade relations with Thailand, leveraging initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to facilitate joint opportunities and growth.
In parallel economic developments, a Chinese delegation led by Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, visited Thailand in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.
They participated in forums and trade shows to enhance bilateral industrial and supply chain collaborations.
Chinese firms emerged as the largest foreign investors in Thailand during 2024, with substantial investments across diverse sectors such as property, construction, and retail.
Investment from Chinese companies in industrial estates also surged, demonstrating a growing trend of business engagement between Thailand and both Mainland China and Taiwan.
