High-tech Chinese estate mulled by governments
The Thai and Chinese governments are discussing how the Chinese industrial estate in Rayong can serve the aims of the hightechnology sector in Thailand.
The industrial estate is meant to help Chinese investors who want to expand their businesses in Thailand and Asean.
“The government selected the CP Group’s industrial estate in Ban Khai district, Rayong, as the site of the project,” said Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of Eastern Economic Corridor Office.
China will defray the expenses of the estate, with the Thai government investing in related infrastructure projects.”
Amata Corporation Plc, the largest industrial estate developer, is also interested in setting up the China industrial estate in Rayong.
China wants to expand its investments in Asean, in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Mr Kanit.
“Amata and the EEC Office have been talking about this project for months, but have not come to a conclusion. Perhaps the government and Amata will resume talks again soon,” he said.
Vikrom Kromadit, director and chief executive of Amata, said the company is discussing the new EEC China estate with the government.
The EEC committee recently submitted the EEC’s infrastructure development plan to committee chairman and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for his approval on Feb 1, 2018. The plan accounts for 168 projects with a total value of 988 billion baht.
“Amata is interested in the China estate project because Chinese entities are key investors in Amata industrial estates. China’s BRI is expected to connect South China and Asean through Chinese highspeed trains,” said Mr Vikrom.
China is keen on investing in Thailand for automotive, agricultural, processing and energy industries.
“Our China-based production in Amata’s industrial estate includes 70 manufacturers, with a combined investment of 4 billion baht,” he said.
Amata has a 25% stake in the Chinese industrial estate in Amata City Rayong, which was set up in 2007 on 3,000 rai. The estate hosts 200 companies and is operated by Thai-Chinese company Industrial Realty Development.