EEC tipped to draw B20bn in private investment

EEC tipped to draw B20bn in private investment

Mr Uttama says the first big EEC project is likely to be in aviation.
Mr Uttama says the first big EEC project is likely to be in aviation.

More than 20 billion baht in private investment will be poured into the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) from next year, says Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, while the government continues plans to spend on major infrastructure projects to accommodate the private sector.

Mr Uttama said two major Japanese car assemblies have expressed interest in electric vehicle (EV) investments of up to 20 billion baht in EEC areas.

Investment in the robotics sector worth 12 billion baht is also due to begin next year, along with other targeted industries such as medical equipment.

"The progress shows the sincerity of the Thai government and a clear policy in support of the EEC," Mr Uttama said.

As a result, the government will go on with its plan to invest in major infrastructure projects to help link the EEC to Bangkok, major airports and other regions, as well as to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The government is also working on the progress of city planning and regulations to allow investment in the EEC to move forward.

Mr Uttama said the first major investment project to kick off is expected to be in aviation, since Airbus has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Thai Airways Plc to start development of an aviation hub.

He said the government is prioritising the high-speed trains to link Bangkok to Rayong province.

Other major projects include the plan to expand and modernise U-tapao airport and expansion of the deep-sea ports at Map Ta Phut and Laem Chabang, Mr Uttama said.

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