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The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), together with Phatra Securities pcl and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, is holding “Thailand Focus 2017,” a flagship investment seminar in Bangkok from August 29-31, 2017. This inbound roadshow has embraced 116 foreign fund managers worldwide with USD 2.6 trillion assets under management, scheduled to meet with 142 listed companies, highest ever, in a series of 1,464 meetings, hitting a four-year record high.
This inbound roadshow also convenes high-level executives from capital market, financial market, alongside government and private sectors to present updated information about Thailand’s 20-year strategic plan and reforms, adopting digital technology to accelerate economic growth in all facets, as well as business growth opportunities.
SET President Kesara Manchusree said that this year Thailand Focus organized under the theme ‘Establishing the New Engine’, has attracted 116 foreign fund managers, showing greater investor confidence in Thailand. A total of 142 listed companies, reaching all-time high from all industries have been presenting their business insights and growth opportunities driven by the progress of Thailand 4.0 economic development model, in the highlighted one-on-one meetings and group meetings.
“Amid global economic volatility, the fundamental of Thai listed firms remains strong, proven by their growing performance and the rise of dividend payment in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period a year earlier. It has been enhanced by the GDP growth rate in second quarter which grew 3.7 percent, higher than 3.3 percent in Q1/2017, together with the government’s solid economic development plan, altogether reinforcing the country’s economic growth and potential”, added Kesara.
Patchanee Limapichat, President of Phatra Securities, a member of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, said, “We maintain our year-end SET Index target of 1,600, which implies a limited upside from 1,567.52 currently. Phatra Securities’ view on the SET Index is basically based on three reasons. First, in light of a gradual recovery of global economy and the currently low inflation, gradual monetary policy tightening globally offers more potential inflows into emerging markets, including Thai equities. Second, Thailand’s economy expands steadily, following a strong recovery in exports of goods and services. Finally, despite volatilities of global economy and financial markets, Thai listed companies remain resilient, thanks to their strong balance sheets.
This year, Thai economy is likely to show a stronger growth, compared with last year, following a strong improvement in exports and tourism. Meanwhile, it may take some time for domestic demand to recover. However, if the government can consistently speed up infrastructure investments amid the driving of its Thailand 4.0 scheme and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, this will support the expansion of Thai economy and enhance the country’s future growth potential. This will in turn make Thai equity markets more attractive to investors”.
Ornkanya Pibuldham, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Managing Director and Thailand Country Manager, said, “Thailand remains a favorable investment destination for foreign investors, in part because of its strong connectivity to ASEAN. We believe that with a stable macro outlook, business-friendly environment and focus on new growth pillars, the kingdom continues to offer opportunities for investors looking to buy into the region”.
For more information about Thailand Focus 2017, please visit https://www.set.or.th/thailandfocus/ .
