Thailand becomes Japan's regional hub for "Connected Industries"

BANGKOK, September 13 (TNA) - Thailand now appears to become a regional investment hub for Japan's Connected Industries Policy, thanks to a successful event, "Thailand 4.0 toward Connected Industries", organized in Bangkok during September 11-13. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic affairs, told journalists of the positive prospect, as Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Hiroshige Seko has led a large delegation of over 600 Japanese investors and members of their several business networks to participate in the three-day grand event, marking the 130th anniversary of Japan-Thailand diplomatic relations. Expressing his satisfaction with the success of the event, Somkid said that the event helps boost confidence in expanding investment in the Thai economy among the Japanese business operators. Somkid acknowledged that the participating Japanese delegates now apparently eye Thailand as a regional investment hub based on Japan's Connected Industries Policy, under which business networks connect with each other through shared information for analytical discussions and solutions to problems probably emerging in their production chains. The deputy premier pointed out that the positive prospect from the Japanese side is a good sign for the Thai investment, as Japanese investors carefully consider their relocation sites and Thailand is a best choice for them in the ASEAN Community (AC). The deputy premier explained that Thailand has implemented a national reform toward a new general election in the near future and is eyeing new advanced investment projects to comple with the government's Thailand 4.0 Policy, which is also in line with Japan's "Connected Industries" Policy. Besides, the Thai government is implementing a new 20-year national strategy, covering the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and labor quality in all areas through shared information and technological transfer from international experts. The deputy prime minister stressed on Thailand's neutrality and fair treatment to international investors who relocate their production and service bases to the Thai conomy.(TNA)