Dhanin Chearavanont: Unite Chinese entrepreneurs to explore B&R opportunities

Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, Thailand, hopes to unite Chinese entrepreneurs to tap into opportunities. He suggested Chinese chambers of commerce and Chinese business leaders from all over the world team up in order to bring together Chinese entrepreneurs who are interested in participating in B&R development so that they can conduct in-depth discussions with each other on their respective fields or expertise, and then explore the specific business opportunities brought by B&R and the Bay Area.

Chearavanont believes that Hong Kong can play an active role and benefit in regional cooperation such as B&R. He pointed out that Hong Kong has great advantages as an international financial center backed by a huge economy of 1.4 billion people. He encourages Chinese entrepreneurs from around the world to set up their bases and financial investment headquarters in Hong Kong, which will help them invest and do business in B&R regions, the Bay Area and ASEAN.

When introducing Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Chearavanont said that it is full of opportunities and is seen as a new impetus to drive the Thai economy. He explained that EEC connects Bangkok and accounts for more than 70% of Thailand’s total GDP. Its per capita income is not inferior to that of Bangkok. A high-speed railway will open for tender at the end of the year and could form a center with subway, light rail and highway to connect three airports and two deep-water terminals, which will help promote the development of commerce, manufacturing, services and real estate in nearby areas. And real estate and professional services are precisely the expertise of Hong Kong entrepreneurs. Therefore, there is room for co-development.