EEC project map (Photo: NNT) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continues toattract more investors. Last year, the EEC generated over 100 billion baht fromoutside investment.
To keep the momentum going, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak,has instructed the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC) to ensurethat six key infrastructure projects in the region begin this year.
The six projects encompass the high-speed train route linking Suvarnabhumi, DonMueang and U-Tapao airports; U-tapao airport; a center to handle themaintenance, repair and overhaul of planes; the third phase of Map Ta Phutport; the third phase of Laem Chabang port and the development of Digital ParkThailand (EECd). These projects will be implemented in line with the Smart Cityproject in Chachoengsao province to attract new investment.
Once the projects are underway, they will benefit the grassroots economy in thethree provinces of Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong. The Board of Investment(BOI) has been assigned to create an incentive package to promote investmentand encourage the private sector to support grassroots economic developmentthrough agriculture and tourism. The Ministry of Finance and the Bank forAgriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) will work together to develop300,000 to 400,000 Smart Farmers nationwide. Currently, Thailand has 100,000Smart Farmers.
The government has set a target of 10 million tourists arriving at U-Tapaoairport; the establishment of partnerships between small and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs) and major businesses, and reducing the number of low-incomeearners in the EEC from 350,000 people to zero within three years.
Speaking of the tensions between the United States and Iran, Dr. Somkid saidthe issue is an external factor. Even if the tensions don’t escalate, they maystill affect oil prices. However, Thailand had been in similar situationsbefore, and the government is ready to handle developments.
The Secretary-General of the EECPC, Kanit Sangsubhan, said today the governmenthas expedited EEC development through legal measures and infrastructureprojects. They will generate 300 billion baht for the economy annually andcontribute to gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 1.5 to 2 percent eachyear./.
VNA
