The Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar led a delegation of 16 business people from Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, together with journalists from Le Soleil and Fratenité Matin, Senegalese and Ivorian news agencies respectively to Thailand during 21-28 May 2023

 

On this occasion, African businesses and media participated in the THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2023, the international food and beverage trade exhibition at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, to broaden their networks and negotiate business deals with Thai and foreign companies, which more than 3,000 companies joined the event.

 

In addition, on 25 May 2023, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Ms. Wanalee Lohpechra, Deputy Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion was focussed on the promotion of economic cooperation between private sectors from Thailand, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. Furthermore, representatives from Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire gave interviews on “MFA Update”, a live radio program FM 88 MHz hosted by Radio Thailand of the Public Relations Department, the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as on Saranrom Radio hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

The African delegation also met with executives and senior representatives from the Thai-South African Business Council, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, together with 40 Thai entrepreneurs. They were briefed on market trends and directions of Thai industries. Both sides exchanged information on trade and built networks among the business sectors to further promote trade and investment.

 

On 26 May 2023, the delegation visited TIPCO, beverage factory, and Nakhon Luang CP Rice Factory in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, to observe the production and processing line, as well as negotiate business deals to expand the export of goods from Thailand to Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.

 

The Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar organized this project aiming to provide the businesses and media of the West African region with the first-hand information and direct experiences about Thailand’s economic potential, particularly the advancement of Thai food processing and agricultural products industries. This would help further enhance bilateral trade and investment in the future.