BANGKOK, Nov 28 – Thailand must extend its production bases into neighbouring countries, especially Myanmar, to pave the way for trade and marketing penetration into South Asia where the total population is three times higher than in Southeast Asia, according to an adviser to the prime minister.
Olarn Chaipravat, president of the Thailand Trade Representative, said investment in neighbouring countries should focus on agriculture and labour-intensive industries.
The opening of Myanmar will attract foreign investment while that country’s labour force in Thailand will eventually return to their homeland, causing a labour shortage in the textile and fisheries industries in Thailand, he said.
Mr Olarn said it is time for Thailand to revamp its manufacturing industries by concentrating on high quality services and products using advanced technology.
It is important that the Thai private sector enters joint ventures with or owns shares in overseas companies investing in Myanmar, he said, adding that the Thai private sector will soon be invited to survey industrial estates in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos to look for future investments in those countries.
Arkom Tempitayapaisit, secretary general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), said Thailand currently focuses on a five-point strategy which involves goods, service, investment, labour supply and capital funds.
The government will be asked to push forward the strategy including cooperation with Myanmar and the development of the Dawei deep seaport project, he said.
