BANGKOK, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 commenced here on Wednesday, expanding from a traditional trade exhibition into a comprehensive platform connecting capital investment, technology, innovation, and business networks.
Now in its second consecutive year, the expo, under the theme "Investing for the Future, Growing Together," aims to create concrete linkages, positioning both Thai and Chinese stakeholders to adapt to global economic trends and emerging industries.
In his keynote address, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that the expo arrives at a critical juncture in diplomatic relations. Following last year's 50th anniversary of bilateral ties and the deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, 2026 marks "Year One of the Next 50 Years."
Anutin highlighted that amid global economic challenges, Thailand must deepen cooperation with China -- a nation possessing high capabilities in research, development, and advanced technology -- to boost national competitiveness, generate new economic opportunities, and enhance the long-term capacity of Thai industry.
Recalling his first official visit to China as prime minister, Anutin noted that Chinese stakeholders reaffirmed their confidence in Thailand's economic potential and expressed readiness to expand investments.
Anutin said his government values Chinese private-sector investment not only for generating capital inflows and employment but also for transferring knowledge, technology, and innovation to Thailand, upskilling the local workforce, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Reaffirming that Thailand remains open to foreign investment aimed at delivering mutual benefits for both investors and the public, the prime minister added that Thai enterprises are similarly continuing to expand their investments and business networks across China.
The expo brought together 270 companies from Thailand and China to showcase products across more than 670 exhibition booths, reflecting strong confidence among business sectors and the platform's vital role in connecting economic opportunities.
The 2026 edition introduced an enhanced consultation zone, offering one-stop investment and business advisory services with participation from key Thai government agencies, covering investment privileges, trade regulations, foreign labor compliance, and administrative support.
A primary highlight of this year's showcase is an interactive robotics zone featuring global tech pioneers unveiling their latest humanoid robots, logistics platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic dogs, demonstrating advanced capabilities in natural walking, running, dancing, and object manipulation.
Running through Saturday, the event features seminars focusing on major topics such as China's humanoid robotics landscape, integration with Thailand's ecosystem, AI business applications, electric vehicles, supply chain management, investment strategies, and green industries.
The exhibition also incorporates two specialized recruitment and academic pavilions. A dedicated job fair features 47 leading Thai and Chinese firms offering more than 3,000 vacancies across 313 positions, giving job seekers the chance to participate in direct on-site interviews.
Concurrently, an education fair showcases over 2,000 scholarships presented by more than 20 top Chinese universities to help prepare students, young professionals, and workforce talent for the AI-driven economy.
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