Bangkok, 24 March 2025 — The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, has joined forces with CzechInvest, the leading agency responsible for promoting and attracting foreign investment into the Czech Republic, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and the Czech Republic.

 

This partnership is a major step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, focusing on supporting high-potential SMEs and startups in both nations. The aim is to facilitate growth and expansion into the European market while promoting the exchange of insights into innovation ecosystems and encouraging cross-border business matchmaking between international investors and Thai startups. Together, the two countries will work towards establishing a ‘Landing Gateway’ – a strategic corridor linking Thailand and the Czech Republic as a global hub for startup development and innovation.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), remarked that while the Czech Republic may be a relatively small nation, it possesses considerable strengths in research and innovation across a range of key industries critical to driving economic growth. These include the automotive, electronics, information technology, biotechnology and clean energy sectors – all of which have captured the attention of global investors and led to substantial foreign investment in large-scale projects.

 

Traditionally, the Czech Republic has focused its trade and investment partnerships within its neighboring regions. However, it is now actively branching out to forge new international pathways, seeking to diversify income streams and reinforce economic stability. In support of this ambition, the Czech government established CzechInvest, the country’s principal agency for promoting innovation, fostering startup growth, attracting international investors, and offering tailored consultancy services to help navigate the investment landscape.

 

“Thailand and the Czech Republic have long enjoyed a strong and enduring diplomatic relationship, which has blossomed over time into a robust partnership spanning multiple areas of cooperation. Marking the 50th anniversary of Thai–Czech diplomatic relations presents a timely and meaningful opportunity to deepen these ties,” said Dr Krithpaka.

 

“As part of this milestone celebration, the NIA is proud to join hands with CzechInvest to co-develop a thriving innovation ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth in both countries. The collaboration is set to roll out over the next five years and will encompass a broad range of strategic initiatives, including: joint efforts to promote investment and attract foreign capital while supporting local enterprises; sharing insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and the broader business climate across Europe and Southeast Asia; and establishing a framework to assist high-potential investors and businesses seeking to expand across both regions.

Plans also include organizing co-hosted investment seminars as part of official trade missions, along with further promotional events aimed at driving economic cooperation. Both agencies will exchange key data, research, and reports relevant to investment and development. Crucially, the collaboration will help to establish a bilateral ‘Landing Gateway’ – positioning Thailand and the Czech Republic as twin hubs in a global startup corridor, advancing innovation-driven partnerships between Europe and Southeast Asia.”

 

As the very first Asian nation to forge an innovation-focused partnership with the Czech Republic, Thailand has been chosen to lead this ambitious bilateral initiative aimed at advancing economic growth and shared prosperity. In this strategic role, the NIA, as Thailand’s chief innovation-driving body, stands ready to serve as a central hub for empowering Thai startups and high-potential entrepreneurs.

 

“Through this collaboration, the NIA will support Thai innovators in building cross-border business networks, exchanging investment intelligence, and co-developing innovation ecosystems alongside CzechInvest. This partnership is designed to forge meaningful connections, strengthen growth capabilities, and propel Thai and Czech startups alike onto the global stage.

 

Successfully attracting Czech investment into Thailand would mark a pivotal first step in unlocking broader access to Europe’s vast and diverse markets. Moreover, it would position Thailand as a key production base for innovation-driven goods and services tailored to meet European demand—generating mutual economic benefits for both nations across multiple sectors.”

 

Mr. Jan Michal, CEO of CzechInvest, explained that CzechInvest is a key governmental agency of the Czech Republic tasked with promoting and attracting foreign direct investment into the country. Its services are designed to support four primary target groups: (1) startups seeking to scale their businesses and drive innovation, (2) international investors interested in entering the Czech market, (3) innovation-driven SMEs looking to expand into global markets, and (4) local authorities at both municipal and regional levels, which play a vital role in advancing local economic development. CzechInvest also serves as a crucial bridge between the public and private sectors, ensuring smooth, efficient investment and business operations in the Czech Republic.

 

“In recent years, Thailand has made remarkable strides in innovation and technology investment, clearly demonstrating its potential and readiness to engage in international partnerships. This newly signed Memorandum of Understanding with NIA marks an important step forward in strengthening collaboration and promoting innovation-led startups in both the Czech Republic and Thailand. Together, we aim to build a dynamic innovation ecosystem that paves the way for new opportunities benefitting startups and tech enterprises across both nations.

 

As part of this growing partnership, CzechInvest is keen to lead a delegation of Czech entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations at ‘Startup Thailand × Innovation Thailand Expo 2025’ (SITE 2025) in Bangkok. The event will offer a unique platform for Czech and Thai companies to present their solutions, share expertise, and forge meaningful collaborations that inspire the future of innovation,” concluded Mr Michal.