FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

FTI sees investment slowdown in second half

FTI sees investment slowdown in second half

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said most of the new government’s economic policies could only be implemented towards the end of the year which would create uncertainty and slow down the pace of investment in the private sectors.

FTI Vice Chairman Montri Mahaplerkpong said investment growth in the second half would either stay flat or decline, as the policies announced by the new Cabinet would take at least a month for adjustment at the ministry and departmental levels, after which they would have to be translated into action plans. Thus, most policies could not be launched sooner than the end of 2019 or even early next year.
“EEC related investment should continue as planned,” he said. “However, other private investments will likely slow down as investors wait for clarity of the government policies, such as details of investment policies from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and industrial promotion policies from the Ministry of Industry. We should see a steady flow of investment from the private sectors starting next year.”
From his discussions with overseas trade partners, Montri said, he believes that most of them still see Asean as a high potential investment destination. 
“Vietnam is the investment destination for industries that rely on manual labours, while high technology investors would opt for Thailand,” he said.
FTI Vice Chairman said the government should further promote robotics manufacturing. By establishing robot factories in Thailand, foreign investors will realise our potential which may lead to more investments in the high-tech industries, such as e-vehicle assembly, aircraft components, and medical equipment. These industries require high-precision machinery that can only be provided by robotics.
“Furthermore, we should establish universities with a focus on high-tech industries, similar to the aerospace engineering schools in Mexico that supply hundreds of graduates with specialised skills a year to Boeing, Airbus, and other aircraft manufacturers worldwide. 
Doing so will complete the development efforts in all dimensions: infrastructure, technology, and manpower” he said

TAGS
nationthailand