Spurt in FDIs in the first 4 months
Thailand enjoyed a higher profile among foreign investors, attracting an increase in foreign direct investment during the first four months of this year, according to Thailand's Board of Investment.
Hiranya Sujinai, an investment adviser to the BoI, said FDIs showed an increase compared to the same period last year. The BoI received 407 investment applications with a combined value of Bt155.5 billion, representing a 21-per-cent rise in application numbers and a 44-per-cent increase in investment size.
During the same period last year, the BoI received 336 investment applications with a combined investment value of Bt108.03 billion.
Hiranya said that of the total applications, about 59 per cent sought investment incentives for expansion. These require an investment of Bt113 billion.
The remaining 167 applications for Bt42.39 billion are earmarked for new investment projects.
Japan controlled the biggest chunk of new investment, at Bt93 billion for 228 projects; followed by Malaysia, Bt10.7 billion for 12 projects; the US, Bt9 billion for 17 projects; the Netherlands, Bt9.8 billion for 11 projects; and Hong Kong, Bt5.5 billion for nine projects. – The Nation
SEC introduces app for
new-generation investors
The Securities and Exchange Commission is giving itself an image makeover with the introduction of mobile applications to satisfy new-generation investors.
"Start-to-invest" is now available for iPhone and iPad, and aims to be a personal adviser that can answer all investment-related questions.
"This is part of the SEC’s strategy towards modernisation and friendliness to all," said SEC Secretary-General Vorapol Socatiyanurak.
His deputy Chalee Chantanayingyong is confident that this mobile application would raise awareness of financial planning among Thai consumers.
The application contains a financial planning mode, which can be adjusted according to spending and saving ability. It offers updates on mutual fund prices and information on investment options. – Asina Pornwasin, The Nation
Egco to take stake
in biodiesel plant
Electricity Generating or Egco Group will invest Bt65 million for a 50-per-cent stake in Absolute Power P Co’s biodiesel plant.
In a statement, Egco president Sahust Pratuknukul said that the shareholder agreement was signed on May 15 for the acquisition. Under the agreement, Egco will come up with the equity investment of Bt65 million.
The biodiesel plant, located in Rojana Industrial Park in Rayong, which commenced operation in October 2011, has a total capacity of 300,000 litres per day or 100,000 tonnes a year. The project cost is Bt275.5 million.
Sahust stated that this investment was Egco’s first step into the biodiesel business. It was not only in line with Egco’s strategic plan to expand its business towards integrated energy, but also met the government policy to promote the use of biodiesel as an alternative fuel to enhance the stability of domestic fuel supply in the long run. – The Nation
