Join Us Thursday, June 6, 2024

Registration & Breakfast: 8AM EST
Conference: 8:30AM – 10:30AM EST

Event Location:

BDO Detroit | 2600 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 600, Troy, MI

HOSTED BY:

East West Associates LLC
BDO
Foley & Lardner LLP
Thailand Board of Investment

In an era where the global manufacturing landscape is rapidly evolving, automotive suppliers with operations in China face unique challenges and opportunities. As the US intensifies efforts to diversify supply chains away from China, Thailand emerges as a strategic alternative, offering compelling incentives and a skilled labor force.

We cordially invite you to a roundtable discussion (with viewpoints from a variety of SMEs) that will delve into how Thailand can serve as an integral part of your diversification strategy, potentially enhancing your company’s resilience and profitability.

This event promises to provide invaluable insights into the financial and operational benefits of relocating or expanding your manufacturing base to Thailand, amid the shifting dynamics of global trade and investment.

Many U.S. companies are relocating manufacturing and sourcing to Thailand. Senior operational executives who’ve lived in Thailand, and Thailand Board of Investment officials will explain why, including:

• • • U.S. tariff exclusion
    • 8-10 year Corporate Income Tax holidays
    • Labor availability
    • Low labor costs

Topics of discussion will include:

• • • Insights into the changing dynamics prompting U.S. companies to reassess their manufacturing strategies, driven by challenges such as U.S.-China trade tariffs, rising labor costs, and diminishing tax incentives in China.
    • Learn about the financial and operational incentives Thailand offers, including U.S. tariff exclusions, significant Corporate Income Tax (CIT) holidays, and access to skilled, cost-effective labor.
    • Key considerations before moving your manufacturing or supply base from China or other locations.
    • Explore the rich history and current opportunities within Thailand’s vehicles and auto parts manufacturing sector, setting the stage for future growth.
    • Learn about future infrastructure projects and investments in Thailand that promise to enhance manufacturing capacity and offer tangible benefits for companies looking to expand operations

This discussion will feature insights from senior executives and government officials, including experts from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), Foley & Lardner LLP, BDO USA, and East West Associates (EWA). These speakers bring a wealth of experience and will share valuable perspectives on integrating Thailand into your manufacturing strategy.

The BOI is the governmental agency responsible for direction, oversight, &approval if foreign investment incentives to locate to Thailand. EWA and the Thai BOI have worked together for years. EWA supports U.S. companies with evaluating Thailand and other attractive venues, and with establishing operations and sourcing capabilities in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Hear how one U.S.-based company save US$27.5 million by relocating from China to Thailand.

We look forward to your participation in and important and timely discussion on leveraging Thailand’s strategic advantages for your manufacturing and supply chain strategy.

Ashley Hetrick | Principal, Sourcing & Supply Chain Segment Leader, Management Consulting, BDO USA

Ishan Shah | Partner, Tax & Legal, BDO in Thailand

Vanessa Miller | Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP

John Turlais | Of Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP

OUR CLIENTS

Many U.S. companies are relocating manufacturing and sourcing to Thailand. Senior operational executives who’ve lived in Thailand, and Thailand Board of Investment officials will explain why, including:

• • U.S. tariff exclusion
  • 8-10 year C.I.T. holiday
  • Labor availability
  • Low labor costs

Join Us Thursday, May 30, 2024

Registration & Breakfast: 8AM CDT
Conference: 8:30AM – 10:30AM CDT

Event Location:

Dorsey & Whitney: 50 South 6th St., Minneapolis, MN  P: 612-340-2600

HOSTED BY:

Dorsey + Whitney LLP
Build What Matters in Minnesota
East West Associates LLC
Global Minnesota

Speakers will aslo answer registrants’ questions, including:

1. 1. What are the recent effects of conditions on companies that produce in China and sell the majority of their productswithin China? Conversely, what are the effects on companies that produce in China and export the majority of their products outside of China?
   2. What strategies are companies employing to address the current China situation? How have these strategies affected countries in Southeast Asia?
   3. How do China’s and Thailand’s costs compare? Skilled labor costs? Labor availability? CIT? Land? Utility costs? Inflation? Lease rates? Building costs? Tariffs?
   4. Some companies may wish to relocate or establish a facility outside of China but continue to source their products (or components) from China (example: automotive parts and electronics manufacturers). How does the concept of “local content/local certificate of origin” affect this strategy?
   5. Could you talk about site selection factors in Thailand? Land; build to suit; lease existing facility, etc. Does Thailand allow for 100 % ownership by U.S. companies (including land)?
   6. For companies developing Thai suppliers of raw materials or component parts, what are the main challenges to identifying and qualifying Thai suppliers?  Transitioning from Chinese to Thai suppliers?
   7. What has been your experience transferring technology from China to Thailand?
   8. In addition to automotive and electronic suppliers, what other industry sectors does Thailand have a large number of manufacturers & suppliers?
   9. If a company relocates from China to Thailand, what are the challenges of closing their China manufacturing plant? Can you comment on closure considerations like severance and personnel? How does a company protect intellectual property and physical property? What about relationships with customers vendors, Labor Bureau, PSB, et. al.? Disposition of equipment? Duties on equipment relocated out of China to Thailand?
   10. What financial & operational incentives does the Thailand government provide U.S. companies to establish operations on leased or owned land?

Chad Gauger | Vice President and General Manager, Scoular, Former Cargill Managing Director-Asia South (incl. Thailand)

• • Operational Considerations in Thailand

Mark Plum | Director, East West Associates

• • Former President Briggs & Stratton Asia (incl. Thailand)

OUR CLIENTS