Innovation, technology to get SEZs

Innovation, technology to get SEZs

The government is mulling establishing special economic zones (SEZs) dedicated to special industries such as innovation, high technology, research and development (R&D) and tourism.

Arkhom Termpitayapaisith, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, said SEZs for special industries would be the next step of the government’s SEZ development plan.

An innovation development committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha early this month assigned Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong to work out a plan to set up SEZs devoted to innovation and high technology.

"The first step of the government’s SEZ development plan, which is aimed at decentralising industries to be located in border areas in order to create revenue in remote areas, develop connectivity with neighbouring nations and cut private firms’ operating costs with appealing incentives and low labour costs, has materialised," Mr Arkhom said.

"The government is now thinking about the next step of SEZ development for particular industries."

He said with the Eastern Seaboard's limited space for industrial expansion, potential locations for SEZs dedicated to innovation, R&D, electronics and high technology may be in Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri or Chachoengsao, which are close to deep sea ports and the Eastern Seaboard and also easily accessible to high-skilled labour.

Mr Arkhom said many companies had expressed an interest in R&D expansion after the government unveiled its new promotion plan and incentives for high technology.

The government has initiated a plan to set up SEZs in six provinces: Tak (Mae Sot district), Sa Kaeo (Aranyaprathet district), Songkhla (Sadao district), Trat, Mukdahan and Nong Khai.

The special zones will cover 10 districts and 36 tambons with a combined area of 2,932 square kilometres.

The government hopes to open two SEZs this year, possibly in Mae Sot and Aranyaprathet.

It has already approved 24,871 rai in six provinces now owned by state agencies to be developed as industrial estates or rented to private companies to develop industrial estates.

Of the total land, 14,858 rai are in Tak, 2,944 rai in Sa Kaeo, 740 rai in Trat, 1,085 rai in Mukdahan, 1,095 rai in Songkhla and 4,149 rai in Nong Khai.

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