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

Longhua District and Thai business and investment representatives explored deeper cooperation in cross-border manufacturing, the digital economy, cross-border e-commerce and new energy at a matchmaking conference held Aug. 26.

The Shenzhen Longhua-Thailand Economic, Trade and Industrial Matchmaking Conference was held at the Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC).

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

She said the BOI’s Industrial Linkage Development Division also provides free assistance in sourcing local suppliers for Longhua and other Chinese companies, with a focus on sectors including electric vehicles, smart electronics, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

“We also help Thai firms explore markets like China and connect with Chinese suppliers,” Suksawate said.

She described the LICC as a two-way platform supporting both inbound and outbound investment and said the two sides could deepen cooperation in matching supply and demand and helping companies expand overseas.

“If Thai delegations need machinery made in Longhua, we can match supply and demand,” she said. “If Longhua investors plan to expand into the other parts of Asia, BOI Guangzhou is ready to help.”

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

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

She said the chamber can provide support in legal, tax, employment and distribution matters, with cooperation ranging from building joint teams to jointly developing engineering projects.

“Our goal is to bring Shenzhen products into Thailand and grow the market together,” Xie said.

Xie also pointed to cooperation potential in Longhua’s cross-border e-commerce, AI and low-altitude economy sectors. With 2026 designated as China’s APEC year and Thailand also being an APEC member economy, she said the two sides could work together to strengthen regional supply-chain connectivity.

The conference also featured presentations on Longhua’s investment environment, Thailand’s investment promotion policies and BOI incentives. The head of Kasikornbank’s Shenzhen branch gave a presentation, while the bank’s chief economic adviser discussed Thailand’s economic outlook. A legal expert outlined compliance approaches for Chinese companies entering Thailand.

The event was guided by 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).