EV perks on the cards for EEC push
The government is urging the private sector to begin real investment in the high-tech sector and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), especially in electric vehicles (EVs).
Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana told the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) yesterday that the government will soon announce a new investment package to support investment in EV cars.
“The government plans to set up talks with the FTI in April to announce government policies and support to be given to private sector to encourage them to start real investment, especially in EV cars,” Mr Uttama said.
He said the government will work with the FTI and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking on ways to spur real investment in the EEC.
The EEC is intended as a special location to accommodate investment in 10 targeted industries.
The 10 industries 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.
The EEC spans a combined 30,000 rai in three provinces: Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao.
Mr Uttama said the government plans to increase Thais’ per capita income by using the Thailand 4.0 model to bring about production of high-added value products.
He said the Industry Ministry will propose a plan to support investment as well as investment privileges for EVs to the cabinet by the end of March in order to help boost real investment in the sector.
“EV is a high-tech investment sector that the government aims to promote in the EEC,” Mr Uttama said.
To support more real investment in the EEC, the government also plans to develop another 18,000 rai as EEC industrial area.
FTI chairman Chen Namchaisiri said the organisation is working closely with the government to help create better understanding of Thailand’s investment privileges and the government’s investmentsupporting policies.
He said the FTI will be a key link in promoting new investment in high-tech sectors in the EEC.