The government is forging cooperation with more than 10 embassies to boost foreign investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with a focus on high-tech and eco-friendly businesses.
Ambassadors from countries such as Japan, Germany, France and the Netherlands as well as executives from foreign chambers of commerce joined a seminar yesterday entitled "A High-level Briefing and Dialogue Session on Eastern Economic Corridor" co-hosted by the EEC Office and the Diplomatic Council.
"We discussed and exchanged opinions on how to work together and push ahead with projects for targeted industries," said Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office.
He said officials want to form cooperation on key projects to develop 5G wireless and digital technology, promote bio-, circular and green (BCG) manufacturing as well as build the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) scheme.
BCG production encourages manufacturers to adopt techniques that can add value to products and have minimal or no impact on the environment.
The EECi is a state plan to develop an innovation hub in Wangchan Valley in Rayong.
The Japan External Trade Organization is interested in the EECi scheme and is encouraging Japanese investors to take part in the programme, according to the EEC Office.
The EECi concentrates on two categories of technology and innovation: Aripolis, a centre for research and innovation in automation, robotics and intelligent systems; and Biopolis, a centre for research and innovation in life sciences and biotechnology.
"The government will work to ensure prospective investors are more aware of the importance of the EEC as a hub of investment, a base for the digital industry and a smart city under the sustainable urban development concept," said Mr Kanit.
The government aims to turn the EEC, which covers parts of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao, into the country's high-tech industrial hub hosting 12 targeted S-curve industries, including electric vehicles, smart electronics as well as affluent, medical and wellness tourism.
Infrastructure investment in the second phase of the EEC's development from 2022 to 2026 is estimated at 2.2 trillion baht.