OSMEP advances into the global market by kicking off “Thai SMEs New Opportunity Gateways,” partnering with the giant Alibaba to pave the way for Thai SMEs to penetrate four strategic economic cities in China.
On 9 Nov 2026 GMT+7, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), together with Prince of Songkla University, launched the “Thai SMEs New Opportunity Gateways” project aimed at enhancing the international competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs. They joined forces with DigiLink (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Alibaba Group, a leading technology and e-commerce company, to create new trade channels through Business Matching, Small Order Zones, and Networking Events to sustainably expand Thai products into global markets.
Dr. Panita Chinawatra, Deputy Director and Acting Director of OSMEP, revealed, “Today's business environment is constantly changing due to various factors, requiring Thai SMEs to adapt and seek new trade opportunities to expand sales channels and overcome barriers to foreign markets, especially by connecting with capable business partners. This connection is a key mechanism to create business opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs. OSMEP acts as a catalyst unlocking opportunities for Thai SMEs.
“Therefore, success is not limited to merely helping entrepreneurs enter foreign markets or participate in international activities, but ensuring they return with real business opportunities, such as new partnerships, expanded sales channels, and growth into orders and income from overseas markets. These are crucial to strengthening Thai SMEs and enhancing the country's competitive potential long-term. This led to the creation of the Thai SMEs New Opportunity Gateways project, which aims to provide Thai entrepreneurs with genuine and sustainable growth opportunities.”
The “Thai SMEs New Opportunity Gateways” project creates new opportunities connecting Thai SMEs to global markets. Its purpose is to establish government support mechanisms to elevate Thailand’s brand image and Thai products internationally, while expanding trade opportunities into new target markets to increase economic value and mitigate impacts from global trade policies. The project also seeks to build business networks and link entrepreneurs with partners, distributors, and major buyers abroad, focusing on opening trade routes in four key economic cities of the People’s Republic of China:
1. Hangzhou, a major economic city in China known for fashion and lifestyle products targeting young consumers, as well as content-driven goods featuring KOLs, intellectual properties (IP), series, and T-POP. It offers Thai entrepreneurs chances to create trade opportunities, find production sources, and expand Thai SME products.
2. Guangzhou, a strategic city in food and beverage, provides opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in processed and frozen foods to grow business through OEM and private label production, while linking supply chains and related services, enhancing competitiveness and expanding Thai brands globally.
3. Chongqing, another important Chinese economic city, offers trade opportunities for Thai SMEs to leverage their strengths in wisdom and Thai-style services to add value, especially in sectors related to the aging society, covering health products and services, relaxation items, wellness, and rehabilitation.
4. Shenzhen, a key innovation city in China blending fashion, design, innovation, and modern lifestyle, is a destination for new-era fashion and lifestyle businesses. It also excels in technology, providing Thai SMEs opportunities to connect with future industries including fashion and jewelry, technology and innovation, software, gaming, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The project emphasizes preparing entrepreneurs to meet the demands and conditions of target markets, alongside creating opportunities to meet and negotiate with foreign partners. This enables entrepreneurs to present products and services, build business networks, and develop relationships into future trade collaborations. The “Thai SMEs New Opportunity Gateways” is a vital mechanism by OSMEP to open new trade opportunities, link Thai SMEs with global markets, and promote Thai products and services to confidently and sustainably enter international business arenas.
SMEs and interested parties can follow project details from OSMEP through its official website.https://sme.go.thor Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/officeofsmes.