Future trends

"As Chinese EV brands joined the Thai government's subsidy measures, it is not only good news for car buyers who will have more choices, but also for the Thai automotive industry during the transition period to catch up with future trends toward sustainable development," said Li, the ASEAN regional vice-president at GWM.

In the Thai government's 20-year strategy, known as Thai 4.0, Thailand aims to promote the country's innovations on the world stage and transform its economy by using technology and innovation with an environment-friendly policy.

One target of the strategy is to transform Thailand into an EV hub, with electric vehicles making up 30 percent of the total number of automobiles produced by 2030 and phasing out sales of combustion-engine vehicles completely by 2035.

At a recent news conference, Thai government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri revealed that EV registrations in Thailand hit 8,522 in March, almost double the January figure of 4,543. He said the promotion of EVs is the country's important stepping stone toward a low-carbon society.

"Thailand 4.0 holds the same vision as China's modernization path, which emphasizes green and sustainable development. Given that shared willingness, China's EV companies can serve as an important driving force to the Thailand 4.0 strategy," said Li.

As the EV industry in the Chinese market has been developed for years, he said China has unique advantages and can share its experiences and innovative technologies for boosting the region's green development.

Li said exchanges and mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world will be enhanced as more Chinese enterprises go overseas, thanks to the BRI.

"This brings a great chance for Chinese people to know the world better. The world, in return, will have a true, vivid portrait of Chinese people."