EEC ‘privileges’ to hit Bt250 bn

Speaking at a seminar on the EEC, Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general to the EEC, said that given high interest in the EEC, the amount of applications made for Board of Investment’s promotional privileges in the EEC areas exceeded Bt300 billion last year, compared to its target of Bt200 billion.
Of the four groups for EEC development, all mega infrastructure projects have been approved, while the rest included investment in new high-tech industries, urban development and tourism.
The Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee will propose, in its February-1 meeting which will be chaired by Prime Minister, a tourism plan in three EEC provinces, targeting to increase the number of tourists in eight years by three times the current figure. About 20 million foreign and Thai tourists annually visit these provinces.
About 18 areas with 26 billion rais will be proposed as industrial promotional zones with focus on the targeted industries, while one area with 3,000 rais planned as an industrial promotional zone for high-tech industries for Chinese operators.
Now, the EEC is coordinating with the private sector to categorise Thai operators to coordinate with foreign investors who want to establish their manufacturing bases in the EEC, Kanit said.
Uttama Savanayana, industry minister, said that the drafted bill on the Eastern Economic Corridor is being considered by a committee on expectation to gain approval soon and enter the third reading of National Legislation Assembly. The drafted bill is expected to be finalised and come into force in February of this year.
In the scheduled February 5-6 mobile Cabinet meeting at Chanthaburi and Trat, the Ministry of Industry will propose the establishment of a central market for fruits in the East in Chanthaburi and have logistics connection with the EEC areas.
The ministry will join hand with PTT Plc for fruit storage and keep fruits fresh with modern logistics system for distribution, with easier access for farmers and fair prices.