Photo by: Duane Daws
Thailand Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association president Achana Limpaitoon has expressed interest in partnering and forming joint ventures (JVs) with the organisation’s South African counterparts to grow the automotive manufacturing industries of both countries.
This emerged during a visit by a South African business delegation to Thai automotive body parts manufacturers outside Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, which formed part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) Outward Selling and Investment Mission to the country.
Limpaitoon further committed to future collaboration with South African automotive exporters, adding that the Thai automotive industry had experienced years of challenges but had managed to achieve noticeable successes.
“The industry is now aiming to become more regionally and globally competitive, and I hope for more collaboration between Thailand and South Africa in future,” she commented.
Durban-based automotive firm Microfinish MD Deshan Naidoo added during the site visit that there were plenty of opportunities for partnerships and JVs between the two countries.
“The technology currently used in the Asian market has improved over the years and we want to take advantage of this. In addition, [Thailand’s partnership with South Africa] will enable it to improve its international competitiveness and give it an opportunity to [sell] its products in other markets.” he commented.
During his Budget Vote speech earlier this month, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies said the automotive sector was one of the key sectors identified as a critical job driver in the country.
As such, the DTI had allocated R7.9-billion to the industry through the Automotive Production Development Programme.