The Commerce Minister leads an expanded cooperation meeting in Mumbai, discussing with TATA Group executives to connect Thai private enterprises to Indian platforms, promoting green building materials and lifestyle products targeting the premium market.
Ms. Supachai Sutthampan, Minister of Commerce, revealed after meeting with TATA Group executives, joined by Mr. Wutthikrai Leeweerapan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce; Ms. Kirida Paopichit, Assistant Minister of Commerce; Ms. Sunanta Kangwankulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP); Ms. Sanchavee Phatthanajak, Director of the Foreign Trade Promotion Office in Mumbai; representatives of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. She said TATA Group is a large conglomerate covering nearly every sector of India's economy. This discussion aimed to find a "concrete cooperation model" to link Thai private sector with TATA Group’s networks and platforms. The Ministry of Commerce will act as a central platform, collaborating with private sector, business organizations, and commercial attachés to precisely match demand and supply.
"We met to find where Thailand can fit as a 'piece of the puzzle' within TATA Group, including e-commerce, construction materials, real estate, and new industries. The Ministry of Commerce is ready to act as a mediator for Thai businesses to connect with key players in India, which is a very high-potential market," Ms. Supachai said.
Ms. Supachai noted that India places great importance on environmentally friendly construction and urban development amid challenging climate conditions. Both public and private sectors view "green construction" as a shared responsibility. Thailand thus has the opportunity to support with environmentally friendly building materials and products such as rubber-based materials, wood and cement substitutes, engineered wood, green chemicals, technical textiles used in buildings, and modular construction solutions that can be scaled to mass production.
Simultaneously, discussions included opportunities for joint investment in production within Thailand for export back to India, particularly in green building projects and affordable housing. There was also exchange of knowledge in steel industry, AI technology, and zero waste concepts, which are key directions for TATA Group.
Regarding lifestyle products, Ms. Supachai said India views Thai products as premium and luxury items. Efforts are underway to encourage TATA Group, especially TATA CLiQ—an e-commerce platform under the group—to consider importing Thai products such as jewelry, apparel, and home décor for online sale to expand market awareness and demand in India.
Currently, TATA Unistore, owner of the TATA CLiQ platform, has begun discussions with the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) to select Thai jewelry brands with distinctive identities for display and advance orders. TATA CLiQ has also been invited to participate in the 73rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair from 22–26 February 2026 to strengthen commercial cooperation.
Additionally, TATA CLiQ has shown interest in Thai handicrafts suitable for clothing, household items, and home decoration. The Ministry of Commerce has recommended coordination with the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACIT) and has already sent product catalogs for consideration. Online meetings are being scheduled to further promote cooperation.
Ms. Supachai added that the Ministry of Commerce and the Department of International Trade Promotion have prepared in advance by utilizing the networks of three foreign trade promotion offices in India as key mechanisms to identify trade opportunities in each region that match the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs and Indian consumer demand, aiming to increase trade and investment value based on mutual benefit.
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