Logistics the ‘key’ to development of SEZs

Speaking at a seminar on the Mae Sot SEZ as the “Gateway to Myanmar” yesterday, Arkhom Termpitta-yapaisith emphasised the need for logistics-network development in Tak province to enhance investment and trade.
Mae Sot has seen booming trade with Myanmar each year on expectations of consistent growth, he said, adding that an integration plan was required for logistics-system development and labour issues.
The Bt13.42-billion budget will be used to construct and improve infrastructure for the Mae Sot SEZ. Tak’s border trade is expanding continuously, but trucks take a long time to deliver products to Myanmar.
Planned projects include construction of a second bridge across the Moei River marking the national border, development of the area around the new bridge, expansion of traffic lanes for the first bridge, expansion of the road connecting Mae Sot with Muang Tak, and improvement of a runway and passenger building at Mae Sot Airport.
The value of Tak’s border trade is expected to rise from the 2015 figure of about Bt70 billion.
The Mae Sot SEZ also includes parts of Mae Ramat and Phop Phra districts, which allows flexibility for investors and traders.
All three districts require development of the logistics system, and Mae Sot district still lacks places for international conferences and trade exhibitions, Arkhom said
Tak Governor Somchai Hatayatanti said that if the logistics system were fully developed, border trade would be enhanced.
Tak urgently requires a logistics system to facilitate investment and trade and connect Thailand with neighbouring countries to distribute products to Myanmar, India and the south of China, he said.
He said workers also needed improved skills to deal with investment and trade in the province.