Thailand Supports Dubai’s Economic Vision (D33)
In a significant move towards strengthening economic ties, Pichai, a key figure in Thailand’s trade affairs, recently recognized Dubai’s ambitious Economic Agenda 2033 (D33). This initiative aims to position Dubai as a premier global business hub. During discussions with Lootah, a top official in the Dubai economic landscape, Pichai highlighted the opportunities presented by D33 for expanding trade and investment between the two regions.
Thailand is particularly keen to explore vital sectors under this agenda, including:
- Processed food
- Health and beauty products
- Herbal products
- Wellness and medical tourism
Each of these sectors presents unique opportunities for both countries to collaborate, enhancing their economies while catering to the evolving demands of global consumers. By harnessing each other’s strengths, Thailand and Dubai can emerge as formidable players in these industries.
Dubai Chamber Opens in Thailand
Further cementing these economic bonds, Pichai congratulated Lootah on the recent launch of the Dubai International Chamber in Thailand. This chamber, the 36th of its kind globally, is anticipated to play a vital role in facilitating numerous business activities.
Among its key functions, the chamber will focus on:
- Exchanging business information
- Organizing trade fairs
- Facilitating business-matching activities
The establishment of this chamber is not just a marker of growing trade relations but a platform that promises to streamline business processes for entrepreneurs keen on entering the Thai and UAE markets.
UAE Aims to Double Trade with Thailand by 2031
Lootah echoes the sentiment of partnership and growth, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to fostering trade cooperation with Thailand. This commitment is underlined by the ambitious goal to double the trade value between the two nations by 2031. He pointed out Thailand’s strategic position within ASEAN, noting its foundational strengths in:
- Food production
- Agricultural processing
- Creative industries
- Tourism
This holistic approach to trade suggests that both nations can significantly benefit from tapping into these strengths, not only enhancing their economic landscapes but also fostering cultural exchanges.
Thai–UAE Collaboration in Food Tech and Robotics
Diving deeper into specific collaborations, Lootah underscored the potential of joining forces in food technology and robotics. Thailand boasts a rich tradition in food production, known for high-quality products across the supply chain. Conversely, the UAE is at the forefront of technological innovation in areas like IT and robotics.
By merging Thailand’s agricultural expertise with the UAE’s technological advancements, both countries can create an efficient and cost-effective food industry. This collaboration could pave the way for groundbreaking innovations, enhancing food security and delivering quality products to the global market.
Bilateral Trade Value Sees Strong Growth
Concrete evidence of the strengthening ties can be seen in trade statistics. According to the Department of International Trade Promotion, Thai-UAE bilateral trade reached a remarkable USD 20.688 billion in 2024, marking an impressive increase of 8.53% over the previous year. The upward trend continued into the early months of 2025, with trade value recorded at USD 7.825 billion from January to April—an astounding 31.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This robust growth not only illustrates the effectiveness of ongoing trade dialogues but also sets a promising foundation for future collaborations, as both countries look to enhance their respective economies and capitalize on emerging global markets.
