Three Thai ministers joined forces to discuss with Japan’s METI the promotion of investment in clean energy vehicles and industrial waste management.
On 22 September 2026, Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, along with Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, and Mr. Aknat Phromphan, Minister of Energy, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and attract additional economic investment between the two countries.
Mr. Akniti revealed after the talks that Thailand and Japan share a strong economic relationship and cooperation, with Japanese private sector investors being key longstanding investors in Thailand. The discussions covered several important dimensions, particularly focusing on expanding and enhancing investments in the automotive industry, which is one of Thailand’s major industries.
In addition, the meeting addressed industrial waste management, an area where Japan has advanced expertise and technology. The Ministry of Industry was tasked with advancing detailed cooperation, while the Ministry of Energy was instructed to accelerate collaboration on developing clean energy technologies, bioenergy, and biodiesel to jointly drive the energy transition closely.
"Today's discussions with METI covered a wide range of issues. The government has assigned each relevant ministry to expedite follow-up actions so that the agreements and cooperation can yield concrete results as soon as possible," Mr. Akniti concluded.