Board of Investment Secretary
Udom Wongwiwatchai talks about the goals of the new investment strategies.
Thanachot Anuwan
Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard marked a new high in business investment
during 2012, attracting 357.2 billion baht in capital with further growth
expected in coming years.
Speaking at a Jan. 24 investment-strategy seminar at The Zign Hotel,
Industry Ministry representative Prasert Bunchaisuk said the kingdom, as a
whole, saw 1.46 trillion baht in new investment last year with the east
leading the way with 768 new projects approved by the Board of Investment.
The majority of investments were in automobiles,
machinery, metal, petrochemical, paper, plastic, hospitality and
public-utility industries.
Prasert said the government is continually developing new programs to boost
and diversify investment, such as the “Thai Kitchen to the World” and
“Thailand Fashion Destination” projects.
He sees future investment strategies shifting toward environmental research
and clean industries. Investment in those sectors, he said, could match
levels seen in 2012 in other industries.
Board of Investment Secretary Udom Wongwiwatchai said the goal of the new
investment strategies is to increase the competitive capabilities of the
country, elevate the supply chain, reduce fiscal burdens and improve
service.
