The representative of Thai Trading Office, Mrs. Nualpan Mahakun along with other officials visited Taichung Mayor Hu on the 21st. Thailand Investment and Tourism Seminar was held on the 22nd in Taichung. Mayor Hu praised that Mrs. Nualpan Mahakun has a vision to have the seminar held in Taichung, which apparently is the hottest city for investment. Mayor Hu also highly recommended the industrial environment in Taichung.

The newly established Taichung City Refined Mechanics Industrial Park is designed to accommodate 90 factories. However, there were more than 400 companies applied. Taichung now is looking into bringing service industry, which also welcomes Thai investors.

Mrs. Nualpan Mahakun also expressed that lots of Thai workers have already been working in Taiwan, however, it's been difficult for Thai chefs to get work permits. Mayor Hu said that he'll keep an eye on Thai workers' rights in Taichung City. Mayor Hu also said that Thai food has been getting more and more popular and lots of Thai restaurants were included in "Food in Taichung", published by Taichung city government. Mrs. Nualpan Mahakun was pleased to see that Thai dishes are introduced in such details and will read through "Food in Taichung" with care.

Mayor Hu emphasizes that both parties should strengthen the ties by increasing investment and culture exchange. He doesn't rule out the possibility of visiting Thailand in the end of the year to look into the potential of bringing better Thai service industry to Taichung.