"Chinese people in Yunnan province have an interest in buying Thai products," she said. "Many of them have expanded their investments into logistic businesses in Northern Thailand to import Thai products, especially agriculture food products. There is potential in the province for Thai investors to expand their investments here."
Natchathorn said the investment potential for Thai companies in Yunnan stemmed from the province's higher consumer purchasing power when compared to many other Chinese provinces.
In 2015, the trade value between Thailand and Yunnan was US$975 million (Bt34.4 billion) and Thailand's trade deficit with the province was $500 million. In the first five months of this year the trade value between the two was $150 million.
"Thailand's trade deficit was because we imported fresh fruit, flowers, and agricultural products from Yunnan," she said.
Natchathorn said Thai investors eyeing China needed to find local partners and do their homework before investing.
