EDB wraps up study tour in Thailand exploring automotive supplies for Sri Lanka

The Export Development Board (EDB) recently wrapped up a study tour in Thailand for Sri Lankan exporters and manufacturers in the automotive sector, to explore potential supplies and business opportunities for the local industry.
The tour, held from November 30 to December 6, 2024, in Bangkok, was organised with the support of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Thailand, Sri Lanka Automobile Component Manufacturers Association and Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce.
The seven-day programme was held to coincide with the 41st Thailand International Motor Expo 2024, one of South Asia’s popular motor exhibitions. Thailand is also known for its strong automotive industry, as the country is listed as the 11th largest automotive 
producer globally. 
“The main objective of the programme was to enhance participants knowledge of the automotive components sector while providing exposure to emerging market trends and potential business opportunities,” the EDB stated in a media release.

Representatives from nine local automotive companies along with an EDB official visited several industrial sites in Thailand, to observe the latest developments in the industry and discuss how Thai companies could supply parts and solutions to Sri Lanka.
The notable sites visited during the tour included the SAIC motor manufacturing plant, Siam NSK Steering Systems, wire harness manufacturing plant of Dashing International and Thai Smile Group, where the participants were given the opportunity to observe technologies, manufacturing techniques and advanced machinery utilised in the automotive component sector.
“The team also visited the Thai government-owned Thailand Automotive Institute, where they observed automotive component testing methods. The institute expressed its willingness to provide technical support to assist in developing Sri Lanka’s automotive industry,” the EDB shared.
Moreover, the delegation visited two major auto parts markets named the Worachak Market and Poonsup Market, where the participants were able to study product quality standards, pricing and potential entry points into the value chain.
The programme concluded with a meeting between the delegates, Sri Lankan diaspora and officials from the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, to discuss business opportunities and strategies that would benefit the Sri Lankan companies to enter the Thai automotive market.
“The exposure tour proved to be a highly rewarding experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participating companies while supporting the continued growth and development of Sri Lanka’s automotive components sector,” the EDB said.