Mr. Somkid, stated, "Developing special economic areas is among the priority policies of the country to enhance effectiveness of the potential industrial areas and to facilitate investors, which will result in the rapid growth of the country and economy, as well as prosperity of people and the nation. To build confidence among the investors and in the civil society sector, the study of feasibility and plans to evaluate effectiveness of the potential areas are therefore required; along with plans to protect environment for the future generations."
"The Department had collaborated with local authorities, the public and involved sectors in studying and carrying out industrial area development plan, which consequently contributed to the development of Map of Potential Industrial Areas, List of Potential Industries for Investment, and Development Plan of Industrial Areas to Promote Sustainable Investment and Industries."
Mr. Thaned Juntaklin, Director of Bureau of Industrial Cluster 4, as the Director of Bureau of Public Participatory Promotion, stated, "This year, the government announced the policy to establish special economic areas in preparedness of future industrial investments and trades across the country, and preparedness of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The Department of Industrial Works, therefore, came up with industrial zoning plans in strategic locations to establish special economic areas in the first phase, which cover the areas in Tak, Mukdahan, Sa-Kaeo, Trat and Songkhla provinces. The Department is also carrying out studying in additional 15 key provinces in preparation for future project."
"The seminar today is held with aims to demonstrate result of the study and listen to opinions toward the plan. We also invited representatives from involved organizations including Mr. Pichai Uthaichet, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, to give a talk on Special Economic Area Development Model. This is a good opportunity for us to enhance understanding on industrial zoning and learn the progresses made by other organizations for collaboration in the future."
According to the result from the GIS-based study and opinions from the public and private sectors, the five provinces are capable of becoming the special economic area, thanks to their strategic location and availability of existing industrial estates. Fields of industry suitable for the five provinces are also in line with those stated in the National Industrial Development Master Plan.
The industries to be promoted in the special economics areas include Gem and Jewelry (in Tak province), Textile and Garment (in Tak and Songkhla provinces), Rubber (in Mukdahan and Songkhla provinces), Food and Beverage (in all five provinces), Electrical and Electronics (in Tak and Mukdahan provinces), and Energy (in Tak, Sakaeo and Songkhla provinces). The industries will be developed through the cluster and global chain value systems, and on the environmental-friendly basis.
In addition, there will be plans to promote industrial zoning in terms of technology, research, entrepreneur, workforce, communication network, logistics, public participatory, environment, investment benefit, as well as local and international laws. Results from the initial fifteen provinces will be further studied, and adopted in future industrial zoning activities, with the aim to develop eco-friendly industry. The result will be published at www.diwzoning.com.
"Eco-industry grows sustainable economy"