On 11 – 13 May 2015, H.E. Surasak Chuasukonthip, Ambassador of Thailand, together with Mr. Paisit Boonparlit, Minister-Counselor, Mr. Krisada Tharasook, Minister Counselor (Science and Technology) of the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C., Ms. Kulpramote Wannalert, Director of TAT Los Angeles Office, Ms. Krissana Sukhumparnich, Consul (Agriculture) of the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles, and Ms. Tanita Sirisup, Director of the Thailand BOI Los Angeles Office, paid an official visit to the State of Queretaro to strengthen relations in various areas, with focus in trade and investment as well as cooperation in science, technology and innovation in sectors which both Thailand and the State of Queretaro place high priority including automotive, aerospace, biotechnology and information technology.

 

            During the visit, the Ambassador and the Thai Delegation met with Mr. Juan Carlos ItuarteZarza, Undersecretary of Sustainable Development Ministry, and had a meeting with high-level representatives of various business associations and academic institutions in Queretaro where the Ambassador gave a presentation on Thailand. The Delegation also discussed cooperation opportunities with Clúster BioTQ (Biotechnology Cluster) and InteQsoft (IT Cluster) of the State of Queretaro. In addition, the Delegation paid a visit to the PET resin plant of INDORAMA – the first large Thai investment in Mexico, and a visit to Aeronautics University of Queretaro (Universidad Aeronáutica de Querétaro) which has a specific mission to train professionals for the rapidly growing aerospace industry of Mexico. Last but not least, the Delegation paid a visit to the leading private university – Tecnológico de Monterrey – which has a student exchange agreement with Bangkok University.

 

            There is great potential for Thai automotive industry to export to or invest in Mexico as Mexican car industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. Also, There are opportunities in the food sector as Mexico is a large market and can also serve as a production base thanks to its large supply of agricultural products. In the area of STI cooperation, Thailand and Mexico may further explore possibilities of cooperation in the sectors of automotive, aerospace and biotechnology.