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Thailand Still Top ASEAN Destination for Japan

March 20, 2014
Some 7,000 Japanese companies are registered in Thailand, with many having set up regional hubs for the manufacture of high-quality products.

Despite political unrest in Thailand, Japan views the country as a good place to invest. Among the ASEAN nations, Thailand ranks at the top of foreign direct investment for Japan, according to the Japan's external trade agency, as reported in the Bankgok Post.

Not only will Japan continue to invest but it will use Thailand as the regional headquarters.

Some 7,000 Japanese companies are registered in Thailand, with many having set up regional hubs for the manufacture of high-quality products. 

“But Thailand needs to think about the development of human resources, particularly at management level, as many Japanese firms are seeking Thai managers to run regional headquarters here, said Setsuo Iuchi, president of the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) Bangkok. 

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent 

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world. 

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