alibaba thailand jack ma

To foster the digital economy in Thailand, the Government of Thailand and Alibaba have entered into a strategic partnership.

Late last week, the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Somkid Jatusripitak, China’s ambassador to Thailand Lyu Jian, and Alibaba executive chairman Jack Ma, attended a ceremony to commemorate the partnership.

Under the agreement, agencies of the Thai government, and business units from Alibaba will work closely to drive the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) under the Thailand 4.0 policy, and drive the country’s digital economy.

“Confident in the promising outlook of the Thai economy, the Thailand 4.0 policy initiative, and the high potential of the EEC development, Alibaba has decided to invest in a Smart Digital Hub in the EEC area,” said Jatusripitak.

The smart hub will be an important platform linking Thailand’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with China and other global markets.

“The strategic cooperation with Alibaba will bring benefits to Thai SMEs and farmers as well as tourism industry, while pushing forward digital economic development in Thailand,' Jatursripitak added.

Alibaba’s fostering of digital growth will help to benefit the company’s supply chains from the country.

“Quality Thai agricultural products such as fragrant rice, durian and other tropical fruits in particular are sought after by the Chinese consumer,' said Ma.

“Given Thailand's unique strengths in people and culture, we are confident of its future and growth potential.”