The Board of Investment (BoI) has joined an investment seminar in Japan this week, aiming to attract up to 200 Japanese firms to invest in Thailand, according to BoI secretary-general Hirunya Suchinai.
The visit is part of a plan to attract foreign investment, especially from Japan, targeted at industries located in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), where the government will offer tax privileges and infrastructure support.
Ms Hirunya said BoI representatives are taking part in the seminar held by Shoko Chukin Bank in Tokyo. The event ends tomorrow.
"The seminar marks the 80th anniversary of the Shoko Chukin Bank and also celebrates the BoI's 50th anniversary," Ms Hirunya said. "We expect hundreds of the bank's clients who are interested in investing in Thailand to join the event."
She said the BoI and Shoko Chukin Bank have been partners for 21 years and have worked together to help 900 of the bank's clients invest and expand their business into Thailand.
"That's why we are holding a seminar again in Tokyo this week. We aim to attract more Japanese investors to invest in the targeted industries in the EEC," she said.
The EEC is the government's flagship project to spur investment in the region.
The project spans Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces, which will be designated as a high-tech industry cluster with an eye towards becoming Asean's leading economic zone for industrial, infrastructure and urban development.
The EEC is designed to accommodate 10 targeted sectors: automotive and auto parts, including electric vehicles; smart electronics; affluent, medical and wellness tourism; agriculture and biotechnology; food; robotics for industry; logistics and aviation; biofuels and biochemicals; digital; and medical services.
Ms Hirunya said most Japanese investors expected to invest more in Thailand are from the automotive, electronics and food-processing sectors.
She said the BoI will encourage those investors who have already invested in Thailand to expand their business and investment here.
"This trip to Japan aims to assure investors the government is ready to lend all support and we welcome all Japanese investors, who are now recognised as not simply investors, but as Thailand's economic partners," she said.