Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) joined the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) to drive healthcare investment.
The USTDA), in partnership with the AMCHAM and EECO recently hosted two-days (April 2-3) workshop to advance Thailand’s position in the global healthcare landscape.
Discussions focused on positioning Thailand as a leading medical hub, covering sustainable investment, improving healthcare accessibility, emerging technologies, infrastructure development, and strategies for enhancing public healthcare expenditure. It also offered insights into best practices in ASEAN and Thailand’s position in the region.
Chula Sukmanop, secretary general to the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) said EECO planned to offer special privileges to investors while the investors can submit the project directly to EECO, as well as the agency has already established one stop service to facilitate investors on asking for licenses.
The measures are prepared for new movement of foreign investment to Thailand.
He said in the past six years, the US’s investment value in EEC ranked the third with total investment 44 billion baht covering for an investment from a global leader such as Johnson & Johnson, Organon and Baxter International.
He said healthcare industry is one targeted industry that EEC is ready to drive the investment expansion in the area.
U.S. ambassador to Thailand, Robert Godec emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Thailand’s healthcare goals. He said that US companies are eager to partner with Thai counterparts to progress Thailand’s goal to become a global leader in healthcare services.
Co-chairs of AMCHAM’s Healthcare Council Weerawat Meekaew of Johnson & Johnson, Koen Kruijtbosch of Organon, and Alan Adcock of Tilleke & Gibbins, agreed AMCHAM’s commitment to driving transformative change in the region and fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“We are honored to facilitate discussions that pave the way for advancing healthcare accessibility and innovation in Thailand through public-private partnerships”, said Patsalin Reephrom, AMCHAM government affairs specialist.
The workshop showcased leading US medical technologies tailored to Thailand’s healthcare priorities, with panel sessions highlighting the potential benefits of collaboration in manufacturing, technology transfer, workforce evolution, and research and development.
AMCHAM executive director Heidi Gallant said that the event provided an opportunity for the members in the healthcare industry to lead the conversation and influence policies that improve the business environment in the healthcare sector.
The workshop also concluded with a forward-looking agenda, encouraging participants to forge strategic public-private alliances to drive Thailand’s transformation into a global healthcare powerhouse.
