Investment trends will change in post-Covid era, predicts BoI
In the post-Covid era, investment will focus more on technology to enhance living, shopping, learning and working from anywhere, as well as digital service platforms and the expansion of IT infrastructure such as data centres, cloud services and 5G wireless technology.
These trends were pointed out by Narit Therdsteerasukdi, deputy secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BoI), at a talk about investment trends and opportunities after the outbreak.
In the “new normal”, the industrial sector is also expected to cut down on its dependence on humans and rely more on automation and robotics. Now, he said, labourers will need to upskill and reskill to become “smart workers” who can work will with advanced technology.
Narit also predicted heavy investment in the health and medical sectors, saying Thailand has great potential in providing medical and health rehab services as well as research and development.
He added that the Covid-19 crisis will encourage people to place more importance to a balanced, sustainable and social economy along the model of BCG (bio, circular and green economy).
He said he expects more jobs to be created through investment in smaller provinces instead of just major provinces, because the Covid-19 crisis has prompted workers to return to their hometowns. This creation of jobs upcountry will bolster the grassroots economy.
Narit said that at this point, Thailand should take the opportunity to draw skilled foreign personnel and IT experts to help develop the country. Thailand should also cash in on its low-infection rates and its strong public health system as points to attract these people to work here.
He added that BoI will employ all tools at hand to boost investment in the Kingdom in line with these trends and opportunities.
