BANGKOK, 12 April 2013 Thailand and Malaysia will collaborate in setting up rubber industry zones on both sides of the common border in order to create jobs and income for citizens of both nations.
On the 2nd day of the ASEAN Rubber Day 2013 convention in Phuket, Deputy Agriculture Minister Yutthapong Charassathien announced the collaboration between Thai and Malaysian state and private agencies in developing twin rubber cities along the two countries’ common border. The minister indicated the project will strengthen the two countries’ economies and create jobs and income, and improve locals’ quality of life.
Under the proposal, the Malaysian government will encourage its private sector to construct a rubber industrial estate on an area of 6,500 rai. The estate will contain infrastructures that include roads, electricity and an energy source. As for the Thai side, a 10,000 rai area for building a similar industrial estate is being selected. Once a decision is made, approval for construction will be sought from the Cabinet. The budget required is estimated to be 200 billion baht.
The minister expects the construction to start this year, and said companies from China and Italy have already expressed their interest to invest in this project. Most of the firms were car tire makers.
