Thai bourse’s “Thailand Focus 2016” attracts 112 foreign funds worldwide

Wednesday 31 August 2016 16:39
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), together with Phatra Securities pcl and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, is holding "Thailand Focus 2016," a grand investment seminar in Bangkok from August 31 to September 2, 2016. The event has welcomed 112 foreign fund managers worldwide with USD 370 billion assets under management joining this grand inbound roadshow to meet with 136 listed companies in 1,255 meetings, hitting a three-year record high.

SET President Kesara Manchusree said, "The annual flagship inbound roadshow is organized for the tenth time. This year's event, under the theme 'A New Growth Strategy,' has attracted 112 foreign fund managers and 98 domestic fund managers, reaffirming investor confidence in Thailand. There are 136 listed companies presenting their business insights in one-on-one meetings and group presentations in total 1,255 meetings. The event has attracted over 300 participants from the Thai government and private sectors, as well as delegates from the Greater Mekhong Subregion (GMS) stock exchanges in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam, as well as GMS listed firms."

"This overwhelming success is based on the strong Thai economic growth, driven by progress of government economic stimulus measures, together with a strong rise in Thai listed firms' Q2 earnings increasing 12 percent year-on-year, a five-year high. Significantly, the keynote speech from Minister of Finance Apisak Tantivorawong has unveiled the three-step plan for the year forward namely upgrading infrastructure, promoting private investment, as well as enhancing productivity through research and development. This has been reinforced by Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Suriyasat Wattanavrangkul presenting tourism promotion, Deputy Minister of Commerce Suvit Maesincee presenting Thailand 4.0 new economic model. In addition, Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob has reaffirmed investors' confidence in Thailand's financial and monetary policy," added Kesara.

Patchanee Limapichat, President of Phatra Securities, a member of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, said, "Despite global growth concerns, foreign investors have returned to Thai capital markets, reflecting their confidence in Thailand's economic stability and ongoing economic recovery. Since mid-February, foreign investors have been net buyers of Thai equities of more than THB 122 billion (USD 3.5 billion), making Thailand's stock market one of the best performing markets this year. Foreign investors have also increased their holdings in Thai bonds by more than THB 140 billion (USD 4 billion) since the beginning of the year. With strong investors' interest, this year's event is well received by both local and foreign investors. We believe Thailand Focus would continue to serve as a key platform for investors to better understand Thailand's strategic directions and the investment opportunities Thailand has to offer."

Ornkanya Pibuldham, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Managing Director and Country Head of Thailand, said, "We are currently operating in a vastly different economic environment than before. Against a backdrop of rising protectionist sentiment globally, Thailand stands out with its constructive economic policies. We believe that the government's focus on new pillars of growth and fiscal stimulus further positions Thailand as a favorable investment destination for global investors."