ELECTRONICS
US-based Hewlett-Packard expressed interest in forming a joint venture with Cal-Comp Electronics (Thailand) Plc to invest in a US$100-million inkjet printer production facility in Thailand.
Pongsvas: Thailand deemed a priority
Industry Minister M.R. Pongsvas Svasti quoted Reinhard Winkler, a senior vice-president of Hewlett-Packard whom he met yesterday, as saying the company would make a decision within 30 days.
"Hewlett-Packard is now expanding investment in Asean nations and sees Thailand as a priority," said M.R. Pongsvas.
"They [executives of the US firm] are here in Thailand to investigate our infrastructure, especially the government's water management measures, which we are committed to, and we pointed out our investment promotion privileges supporting the electronics sector."
Vatsun Thirapatarapong, the country general manager for imaging and printing at Hewlett-Packard (Thailand), said China, Vietnam, India and Malaysia are also possibilities.
"Thailand has an advantage in terms of infrastructure and logistics, but HP is concerned about the government's water management abilities," said Mr Vatsun, adding that China has strong production lines and competitive labour costs.
"We want the factory close to customers in Asean, where future growth is promising due to the planned Asean Economic Community in 2015," he said.
Did you know?
You can introduce your kids to edutainment reading with our Student Weekly magazine: Thailand's only all-English entertainment and education magazine for teens and all ages.
About the author
- Writer: Suchit Leesa-nguansuk
- Position: Reporter
