Airbus weighs up Thai investment
AIRBUS Group is considering investing in an aircraft maintenance centre in Thailand in a move seen as a vote of confidence in the country’s aviation industry and government plans to boost the industrial technology base.
The European plane maker signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct a feasibility study with Thai International Airways on opening a regional hub for aircraft repair, maintenance and overhaul at U-Tapao International Airport in Chon Buri.
The deal was inked after Airbus Commercial Aircraft president Fabrice Bregier visited Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday.
Deputy government spokes-man Weerachon Sukhon-thapatipak said Airbus was encouraged by the country’s Thailand 4.0 vision for technological development and the application of this policy in the aviation industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak suggested the maintenance centre could serve as a hub within the Asean region.
Prayut said the government placed great value on the development of the country’s transport infrastructure system and, in particular, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project.
Based in the EEC, U-tapao Airport will be developed and expanded to accommodate higher numbers of passengers with the construction of basic utilities and an aircraft repair centre, he said.
The maintenance centre is included in the EEC development plan for 2017-21.
The project is seen as raising Thailand’s profile as a hub for aviation maintenance and repair.
Competitiveness push
Hiranya Sujinai, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BOI), said that both Thai and foreigners were keen to invest in research and development in the country. Such investment is a key plank in investment promotion efforts aimed at meeting the Thailand 4.0 goals for greater competitiveness.
From the year to January, the BOI granted approval to 17 R&D projects worth Bt2.51 billion. Those that were granted investment promotional privileges and will start investment soon range from agricultural, automotive and auto parts ventures to medical equipment, machinery to electrical appliances operations.
“The R&D projects granted investment promotional privilege not only bring advanced technology and innovation to boost efficiency and add value to investment, but help develop human resources in specific fields for these industries,” Hiranya said.
She cited the government’s policies of developing the country’s human resources and education system, while facilitating the environment for investment in targeted industries.
Hiranya said the BOI was confident that investment in research and development this year will increase as a result of the announcement of a legislative amendment for investment promotion and a bill on the enhancement of Thailand's competitiveness for targeted industries.
Such moves will attract investment projects that employ advanced technology and innovation, and research and development, she said.
These projects will be granted waivers on corporate income tax for more than eight years, while import duties will also be waived on items for research and development, and related testing, Hiranya said.
The BOI this year plans to hold activities to lure investment |from targeted companies with advanced technology and innovation, and research and development from countries including the United States, European nations and Japan, she said.
