Two Japanese companies to produce electric, hybrid vehicles in EEC

BANGKOK, June 23 -- Two Japanese companies plan to invest 20 billion baht in manufacturing electric and hybrid vehicles in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said. The minister said in the "Thailand’s Big Strategic Move" event earlier this week that this year the government would select major investors in the EEC and investment should start from next year on. At the latest development, Mr Uttama said, a small-scaled Japanese company intended to make electric vehicles and a large-scaled one planned to produce hybrid vehicles in the EEC. Their investment estimated altogether at 20 billion baht would start next year, he said. Besides, the EEC would be supported with the development of U-Tapao airport. Airbus already signed a memorandum of understanding with Thai Airways International (THAI) to conduct the development. There are also a Bangkok-Rayong high-speed railway project, Map Ta Phut and Laem Chabang port development plans and promotion for some industries in the EEC. A 12-billion-baht robot production project, medical equipment production and Japanese health care services would also happen in the EEC. All the developments showed the government’s serious intention and clear plans to develop the EEC, the industry minister said. (TNA)