Thai business operators urged to expand investment into emerging markets

BANGKOK, October 12 (TNA) - The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) has recommended local business operators to expand their investment into emerging markets, including those in South and Central Asia, where they can enjoy privileges for exports to the European Union (EU). BOI Deputy Secretary-General Chokedee Kaewsang made the suggestion on Monday, elaborating that Thai investors should go to Bangladesh, Pakistan Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria, in addition to their existing businesses in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Chokedee noted that the emerging markets are in Africa, Central Asia and South Asia, as they have high economic readiness and growth, considerable resources and big markets. Chollada Areerajjakul, Director of BOI's Thai Overseas Investment Promotion Division, pointed out, meanwhile, that investment in Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria and Pakistan would enable Thai business operators to cut costs and expand markets. According to the senior official, potential industries for Thai business operators in the emerging markets include agriculture, processed food, seafood, fisheries, textile and garment. The senior official noted that Bangladesh and Pakistan have also been included in the Generalized System of Preferences of EU, but their electricity supplies have not yet met domestic demands. (TNA)