EXIM BANK, in collaboration with Marsh PB, a leading global political risk insurance and consulting firm, organized the "EXIM BANK Overseas Investment Forum 2017", highlighting the abundant investment opportunities in ASEAN, particularly in the CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam).

            Mr. Pisit Seriwatana, Managing Director of EXIM BANK, stated, "The CLMV market is considered to have the highest economic growth potential in the world, with a rate of 7-8% per year, driven by the rapid increase in the middle class, reflecting a significant growth in purchasing power. In the first half of 2017, Thailand's exports to CLMV expanded by 13.5%. Thai entrepreneurs should enter the CLMV market before their competitors."

            A key factor in promoting investment is the provision of investment risk insurance, known as "Political Risk Insurance" or "Investment Insurance", which serves as a tool to encourage businesses to invest abroad with confidence, without worrying about the inability to repatriate profits. In recent years, the value of political risk insurance for businesses worldwide has grown significantly, with ASEAN accounting for approximately 17% of the total value, equivalent to $19.178 billion.

            Political Risk refers to actions by foreign governments or economic issues that create problems for investments and lead to financial losses.

           

Political Risk Insurance helps mitigate risks from various issues such as land expropriation, asset seizure by foreign governments, loss of assets due to war or terrorism, currency exchange risks, and breaches of contracts abroad.

            Ms. Hiranya Sujinai, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), provided information that currently, the countries where Thailand has the highest investment volume are Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Laos, respectively. However, the proportion of investment is still considered low.
BOI's investment promotion measures include providing information, creating investment opportunities, training investors, and coordinating to solve problems for investors.
What investors should prepare before investing abroad includes having strengths and success in Thailand, studying the laws of the country they plan to invest in, and utilizing effective legal advisors, strictly adhering to regulations, and being friendly to labor, communities, and government agencies.

            Currently, Ms. Hiranya commented that the most attractive country for investment is Vietnam, due to its large workforce and a predominantly young population, which is efficient and hardworking. Meanwhile, Mr. Chanin Vongkusolkit, Chairman of Banpu Public Company Limited, mentioned that there are several interesting countries, particularly those with relatively large populations and rapidly growing economies, such as Indonesia and the Philippines.