US Ambassador Michael George DeSombre underlined US commitment to expanding trade and investment in Thailand as he toured three flagship American manufacturing firms in the Eastern Economic Corridor on Friday.

DeSombre and Heidi Gallant, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), visited Rayong province and toured Baxter Manufacturing, Guardian Glass, and Ford Manufacturing. Baxter is one of the first US healthcare companies to invest in Thailand; Guardian Glass is one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers; and Ford is among the largest and most recognisable automobile manufacturers in Thailand.

DeSombre highlighted the American firms’ innovative manufacturing practices and positive economic impacts.

”One of my priorities is to work with the Royal Thai Government to bring US companies and US investment to Thailand,” he said. “As the globe emerges from a pandemic and firms adjust to the changed business landscape, we hope that existing US investors will expand their operations in Thailand while new companies will seize the moment to relocate investments and supply chains to Thailand.

"American companies have invested tens of billions of dollars in Thailand, and the US remains Thailand’s top export market. Two-way goods trade totalled $47 billion (Bt1.48 trillion) in 2019, but DeSombre said there is still room for growth.

“We are deepening our cooperation across sectors important to the Thai government: agriculture, health, energy, the digital economy, and high-tech research and innovation, and working with the government to attract new investors to the Eastern Economic Corridor in its ‘S-Curve’ industries,” he added.

US ambassador commits to attracting new investment in EEC