Alibaba plans hub in EEC
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group plans to set up an electronic logistics hub in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) for distribution of its goods to the Asean region, says a senior EEC official.
Kanit Sangsubhan, the secretary-general of the EEC Office, said Alibaba’s investment in the EEC will be done through its subsidiary, Lazada Group. Mr Kanit is due to meet with Lazada this week to discuss the details of the investment.
“Alibaba aims to open a distribution centre in the EEC particularly for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, which are experiencing rapid economic growth,” he said, adding that the move follows the cooperation pact Alibaba founder and chief executive Jack Ma signed with the Thai government last year.
Mr Kanit said details of the meeting with Alibaba will be submitted to EEC policymakers and to the cabinet.
Alibaba’s move aligns with the government’s goals to attract major foreign companies to invest in the EEC areas, which it is promoting it to be a centre of investment, logistics, high-tech industries and aviation in Asean.
The EEC spans a combined 30,000 rai in the provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao to accommodate investment in 10 targeted industries. These are next-generation cars; smart electronics; affluent, medical and wellness tourism; agriculture and biotechnology; food; robotics for industry; logistics and aviation; biofuels and biochemicals; digital; and medical services.
Mr Kanit said Japan’s robot manufacturer Harata Corporation also plans to enter talks with the government to start investing in the EEC.
Mr Kanit said the EEC development plan has three parts. The first part, which has been competed, is drafting out the policy to promote the EEC and set up a clear direction to promote the 10 targeted industries.
The second is to negotiate with major foreign companies and draw them into investing in the EEC, particularly firms specialising in high-technology sectors, with the expectation that tech know-how can be transferred to help Thai industries develop themselves into next-generation industries.
“This is what we are working towards with Alibaba and other major companies. Airbus, which also plans to invest in the EEC, will make Thailand a regional aviation centre,” said Mr Kanit.
The third part is to accelerate investment in research and development centres of major companies in the EEC in order to drive the improvement of Thai industries with innovations.