Thailand to become Japan's gateway to AC

BANGKOK, September 14 (TNA) - Japan is interested in joining forces with Thailand to develop the industrial sector in the Thai government-backed Eastern Economic Corridors (EEC) and other areas, expecting the Thai economy to become Tokyo's gateway to other member countries in the ASEAN Community (AC) in the trade, transport and technological sectors, as well as in the development of human resources. Thai Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana told journalists of the Japanese policy, after leading a nearly-600 member Japanese delegation, led by Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Hiroshige Seko to visit the EEC on September 13. Uttama quoted the METI minister as saying that from now on, more Japanese business operators will invest in Thailand at EEC and other areas, as Tokyo is interested in working with Bangkok to drive the Thai economy forward toward the government's Thailand 4.0 Policy through 10 targeted industries, the move of which is in line with Japan's Connected Industry Policy. The minister stressed that the Japanese side expects Thailand to be Japan's gateway to other member countries in AC, noting that he has, thus, assigned the EEC Office to work out its clear strategy or roadmap on the development of the 10 industries targeted by the Thai government, including agencies tasked with the development of each industry. Besides, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic affairs, has assigned the EEC Office to work together with Japanese investors who want to expand their investment projects in Thailand through Tokyo's contact points in Bangkok, namely the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. The industry minister acknowledged that the Japanese delegation's visit to Thailand during September 11-13 was a good opportunity for the Thai side to present new major policies, including plans toward the government-backed Thailand 4.0 Policy, while the Symposium on Thailand 4.0 towards Connected Industries, organized in Bangkok, received a good response from the Japanese investors, showing a very good positive prospect. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Worapol Tongpricha, Director of the U Tapao Airport in the Thai East, told reporters that like investors in other countries, the Japanese investors have also expressed their interest in investment plans at the U Ta Pao Airport, after being briefed on the commercial potential of the expanding Thai airport. (TNA)