Japanese companies should move their production bases to Thailand’s special economic zones, says Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha shakes hands with Shigenobu Nagamori, chief executive officer and founder of Nidec Corporation, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Royal Thai Army headquarters yesterday. Apichart Jinakul
Japanese business operators should consider opening factories in special economic zones in border areas, which the council promotes, in preparation for the launch of the Asean Economic Community next year, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) leader said yesterday.
Gen Prayuth was speaking as he met Shigenobu Nagamori, chief executive officer and founder of Nidec Corporation, a giant producer of electronic components, at the Royal Thai Army headquarters yesterday. Executives from Nidec’s subsidiary firms in Thailand also attended the meeting.
Last month, the NCPO approved five locations for special economic zones in the border areas of Sadao in Songkhla, Mae Sot in Tak, Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo, Khlong Yai in Trat and Mukdahan.
Gen Prayuth also asked Japanese companies to set up their headquarters or regional offices in Thailand. He said both countries would benefit from closer trade and investment ties.
He thanked the Japanese private sector for showing interest in investing here, adding the two countries enjoy close diplomatic and trade ties and help each other especially in natural disasters.
He said he was impressed by foreign investors, particularly those from Japan, who said they intended keeping their production bases here despite the economic and political uncertainty.
The prime minister also called on the Japanese private sector to help boost the economy and tourism. He said the NCPO has set up an insurance fund for tourists which would boost the confidence of visitors. He also expected two-way trade between Thailand and Japan would expand in the farming and industrial sectors.
Gen Prayuth also expected Japanese firms to hire more employees in senior positions and in the professions than production workers as they had in the past.
The prime minister said he also sought cooperation from Japanese firms to establish research and development centres, and offer scholarships to students.
The NCPO has pledged to help reduce red tape, set up a one-stop service for investors, speed up visa application processes, and improve incentives for investment.
Mr Shigenobu, who is also honorary adviser to the Board of Investment, said his subsidiary firms intended to invest more in Thailand. The company would also boost research and development.