Chinese keen on Thai deals

Chinese keen on Thai deals

AEC Securities adviser to B50bn commitment

China International Water & Electric Corporation (CWE), a leading Chinese state utility, will invest in Thai energy and infrastructure projects worth an estimated 50 billion baht.

The company has appointed AEC Securities (AECS) as its financial adviser.

CWE, a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation, has investments in 30 countries.

Praphol Milindhachinda, AECS's executive chairman, said CWE is keen on investing in green energy such as wind, solar and hydropower.

"They see growth potential in Thailand and Asean," he said.

Zhang Wei, an assistant managing director at CWE, said Thailand offers the Chinese company a vast range of projects.

"The yuan is quite strong, so we are looking to invest outside to gain from the weakening Asean currencies," he said.

Mr Praphol said AECS is also advising a Singaporean company setting up a Thailand agricultural fund next month.

The 2-billion-baht fund will invest in major crops such as rice, tapioca and corn. It also plans to join hands with local credit unions.

Surakiart Sathirathai, chairman of AECS's consulting committee, said the Thai economy will continue to expand despite recent disappointing readings, as the country is set to benefit from Asean growth.

"Other Asean countries also need to invest in infrastructure, so activity in this area will continue in the next several years," he said.

Mr Surakiart said the ongoing fund outflows are expected to be only temporary.

Thailand and the entire region are showing steady long-term fundamentals.

"We should not panic on fund outflows. They'll return soon," said Mr Surakiart.

The former foreign affairs minister said AECS will arrange further deals focusing on investment in Greater Mekong countries.

AECS was founded by Mr Praphol after he acquired the securities licence of United Securities from UOB Kay Hian Securities two months ago and renamed the firm.

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