History
In 1980, multiple Australian companies with a trading interest in Thailand formed the Thai-Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) as a private sector initiative to develop connections and to promote Australian business in Thailand.
At a time when Australian business generally was showing little interest in Thailand, the TACCI had a considerable impact in Thailand developing networks with major Thai businesses and senior government officials.
In 1987, the TACCI evolved into the Australia Thailand Business Council (ATBC) as part of a move sponsored by the Australian Government to form bilateral councils between Australia and ASEAN countries under the umbrella of the ASEAN-Australia Business Council.
A significant difference between the TACCI and ATBC has been the bilateral composition of the ATBC’s advisors and personal contacts, compared with the unilateral structure of the TACCI. The formation of the ATBC represented the creation of the first formal link between the private sectors of Australia and Thailand.
In February 2005, the ATBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding in partnership with the Australian Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham Thailand). The ATBC also enjoys links the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thailand Board of Investment,the Department of International Trade Promotion and Austrade. .
ATBC continues to advocate to the Australian and Royal Thai Governments on behalf of the private sector to promote bilateral and investment and trade wherever possible, with many success stories.
Today, the ATBC has Board Members located in Adelaide, Bangkok, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Tasmania.
Services
Examples of services provided by the ATBC and AustCham Thailand, which benefit members direct include:
Access to people
who have insights, networks, and a deep understanding of how to manage issues relating to regulatory and licensing requirements for business, or cross-border access
Input/access to Thai and Australian Government decision makers
regarding issues of interest and importance to our members, and the provision of valuable insights and support to government decision-makers
Boardroom briefings
with Ambassadors, senior officials, and industry leaders, based on Chatham House Rules; and
Webinars and online meetings
focussing on upcoming policy and regulatory issues and the current fluctuating geo-political world of cross-border investment and trade.
Testimonials
When the time came to investigate the Thai market for our products, we reached out to ATBC which has been a very positive experience. We have been offered introductions and resources that have put us well ahead of where we thought we could be. We have rapidly had multiple interactions with three different Thai government organisations assisting us with business information, in-country contacts, and visas.
The directors of ATBC have also been available to answer queries and have provided a wealth of practical know-how, guidance, and contacts. We are excited about the next stage of our engagement with Thailand and future interactions with ATBC.
David Bonython
CEO
It was a pleasure to meet with ATBC President Doug Blunt in Sydney after 2 years of Covid interruptions, what impressed me most was Doug’s vast experience in the business world and the strong relationships he has built up over the years.
He was eager to support Local for You and immediately introduced us to key connections at BOI and with Dale Foody from ATBC which had an immediate benefit to our business. Doug and the team at ATBC are a pleasure to work with and we look forward to continuing to build a strong relationship moving forwards.