CP Group CEO Suphachai Chearavanont highlighted the importance for Thailand to capitalize on shifting supply chains and green finance amid global economic and technological changes. Speaking at the TSCN Business Partner Conference 2025 during the Sustainability Expo (SX2025), Suphachai discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving global dynamics.
He noted that two major powers—namely the US and China—are reshaping global markets through protectionist policies, tariffs, and trade restrictions, driven by issues like trade deficits and high public debt. These shifts have compelled CP Group to adapt, such as switching animal feed imports from Europe and Brazil to the US.
Despite the disruptions, Suphachai emphasized the opportunities for Thailand. Companies are diversifying away from China, investing more in electronics, electric vehicles, and tech manufacturing. US tech giants are also relocating data centers to Thailand due to energy constraints in Malaysia, thereby reshaping supply chains in the region.
He urged businesses to see these changes as opportunities, emphasizing the need for sufficient energy—particularly clean energy—and the ability of SMEs to adapt. Suphachai described Thailand’s economy as entering an “Innovationist Era,” driven by AI, robotics, and advanced computing, encouraging companies to proactively innovate and experiment.
To stay competitive, he stressed the importance of strengthening green financing, establishing funds and mechanisms to support sustainable loans, which would attract international investment and help Thai SMEs elevate their standards. Collaboration between businesses, global partners, and universities is crucial, especially for smaller firms, to foster innovative thinking from younger generations.
Lastly, Suphachai called for Thailand to develop a global perspective by learning from international experts and to position itself as an open hub for global talent and investment, which would enable the country to adapt more quickly and strengthen its role in the region.