EEC briefing for diplomatic corps

BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) – The government organized a briefing on the Eastern Economic Corridor for diplomatic and consular missions to Thailand this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming transparent bidding to create good atmosphere for foreign investors. The briefing, entitled “The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Taking Off” was co-organized by the Industry Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Eastern Economic Corridor Office, and the Board of Investment of Thailand (BoI). The event provided the overview and update information on the EEC projects, including the draft EEC Act and the upcoming Public Private Partnerships (PPP) investment projects that will be opened to foreign investors. Invited speakers at the briefing include Industry Minister, Uttama Savanayana Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Kobsak Pootrakool, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office, Kanit Sangsubhan and BoI Secretary-General Duangjai Asawachintachit, Mr Kobsak explained about the EEC investment plan that the government expedited five major EEC projects in the form of PPP investment. Those are the development of U-Tapao airport and aviation in the east, U-Tapao aircraft maintenance facilities, high-speed trains connecting three airports, the 3rd phase of Laem Chabang port and Map Ta Phut port. The investment of these projects is estimated at least 600 billion baht. The government will expedite bidding processes of the five projects to be finished within this year. The Smart Park Industrial Estate will be developed in the EEC. The investment plan has made 80 per cent progress and the construction is expected to be completed in 2021. (TNA)