PM sets out to boost confidence in flood measures
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PM Yingluck Shinawatra tries woo Japanese investors
Thailand on Wednesday assured Japan that effective measures are being taken to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastating floods including the allocation of a Bt350 billion budget to implement an effective water management plan to protect industrial estates where Japanese factories are located.
Speaking at a seminar in Tokyo, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra tried to boost confidence among Japanese investors, confirming Thailand’s readiness to be Japan’s strong economic partner.
The seminar, organised by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) and entitled ‘Thailand creating the future', is part of the agency’s roadshow programme to boost foreign investor confidence. The seminar was attended by more than 1,200 Japanese investors.
Yingluck informed the audience that Japan is a very important trading partner for Thailand and said that the two countries have a long relationship. She added that Thailand is increasing its potential to attract Japanese investment.
Referring to the massive floods last year, Yingluck said that integrated centres to deal with flood problems are being set up and would be ready by the end of this month to deal with possible floods. She said she was confident that foreign investments in Thailand can be protected as a result.
Yingluck’s government has been criticised of mishandling last year’s flooding, resulting in several industrial estates where Japanese factories are located, being under water for several weeks.
The Thai premier also said Thailand has a policy to support production and a dynamic economy, offering such benefits as corporate income tax reduction, a strong infrastructure and ongoing transportation development, including the construction of a high-speed rail network and deep sea ports to link with other countries in the region.
Yingluck said Thailand will in the future be a distribution centre for moving Japanese goods to other member states of Asean.
She noted that Thailand will continue as the best choice for Japan's continuing private investment, thanks to her administration's policy, the strong Thai economy, skilled workers, an outstanding industrial sector and secure capital reserves.
Yingluck will also hold meetings with Japanese representatives and investors to boost their confidence during her four-day official visit. She will return to Thailand early on Saturday morning.
