Australian Embassy
Thailand

Press Release 2024 - Australia and Thailand collaborate to accelerate digital economy growth

                                 Australia and Thailand collaborate to accelerate
                                                          digital economy growth

 

6 August 2024

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is leading the inaugural Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange (A-SEABX) to Thailand under the title “Connecting Australia and Thailand in the digital economy” from 6 to 9 August 2024. 

The business mission is led by Austrade CEO, Xavier Simonet.

The delegation of 18 innovative Australian digital technology companies is keen to learn about opportunities in Thailand’s digital economy ecosystem and connect with businesses leaders and key policy makers. The mission program includes attendance at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024, Southeast Asia’s leading technology conference.

“I’m excited to lead the first Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange to Thailand. The business exchange is a key initiative in the Australian government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 which aims to increase two-way trade and investment between Australia and Southeast Asia.

This business exchange to Thailand will support collaboration between Australia and Thailand where digitalisation and innovation are priorities for economic development” says Mr Simonet.

Australia Thailand Digital Economy Forum driving digital collaborations

As part of the business exchange the Australian Embassy Thailand led, Dr Angela Macdonald PSM hosted the Australia-Thailand Digital Economy Forum on 6 August for the delegation and business experts from the Thai government and industry to exchange insights and perspectives on digital economy development.

“I’m pleased to see Australian companies recognising the opportunities in Thailand and as Thailand seeks to become a regional digital gateway, choosing Australia as a preferred partner in support of this ambition. The Australia Thailand Digital Economy Forum helps to realise this ambition by connecting the Australian technology delegation with Thailand’s government and business sectors,” reflects Ambassador Macdonald.

Australian technology capability showcased at Techsauce Global Summit

The key element of the first Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange to Thailand is the Australia Pavilion at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024 running from 7 to 9 August. The event is an opportunity for the delegation to showcase their technologies and network with tech leaders, investors, and corporates from across Asia.

"Thailand is emerging as a compelling destination for foreign companies seeking to establish a presence in Southeast Asia. We are committed to fostering investment and connectivity within the region. Last year's Techsauce Global Summit drew over 16,000 attendees from 50 countries, underscoring the event's global reach. This year, we are thrilled to welcome an Australian delegation and explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships that will drive the growth of the digital economy in Thailand and beyond," says Ms Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, Techsauce CEO and Cofounder.

Thailand’s digital economy agenda opening opportunities for Australian techs

Thailand’s ambition to establish itself as the digital gateway to Southeast Asia is creating opportunities for Australian technology companies looking to expand their businesses to the region. The strong support from the Thai government, local innovators Translucia, True Digital, SCBX and Krungsri Finnovate along with the investments from global tech giants such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft are opening many new opportunities for Australian techs in Thailand.

“Our delegation includes 18 Australian tech leaders across AI, agritech, health tech, climate tech, regtech and digital business. Austrade aims to equip them with firsthand insights into Thailand’s expanding tech market and provide opportunities to connect with local businesses,” says Ms Walsh, Australia’s Senior Trade, and Investment Commissioner to Thailand.

The business exchange’s program includes attendance at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024 conference and a pitching session at the conference’s showcase stage.
"Thailand is Southeast Asia's second largest economy, with a fast growing middle class and an educated, innovative and open minded younger generation poised to take over businesses. There's real potential for growth in coming years.  

Australian businesses and government have not been as active here compared to Thailand's regional neighbours. We hope to leverage this trade mission to become a conduit of technical cooperation and innovation between the two countries," says Mr Rohan Brammall, Infocus Analytics’ General Manager and one of the business exchange delegates.

If you want to learn more about Australian digital technology capability or connect with our technology delegates, at https://bit.ly/3WMJ1ET or contact [email protected]

Explore business opportunities between Australia and Southeast Asia at www.austrade.gov.au/asea and sign up to receive the latest news and events at www.austrade.gov.au/asea/asea-contact

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