However, the applicable ratings must come from Standard and Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Fitch Ratings or Thai Rating and Investment Information.

SCC sheds stake

Siam Cement (SCC) yesterday reached an agreement to sell its entire 27-per-cent stake in Siam Asahi Technoglass to existing shareholder Asahi Glass.

In a filing with the Stock Exchange of Thailand, SCC said it expected an after-tax non-recurring loss of about Bt600 million in this year's fourth quarter. That amount is part of the Bt2.7 billion in losses revealed by SCC in October.

Last year, Siam Asahi's revenues totalled Bt4.3 billion.

Solar assembly

The Ugandan government has donated more than 20 acres of land to Thai investors to construct a solar assembly plant. The plant is expected to ease current energy problems, reported the local New Vision newspaper.

The newspaper said Boonjaroen Manoburachailert, managing director of CCS Engineering and CCS Advance Technologies of Thailand, recently led a delegation to Uganda that included investors from Thai construction, steel and tourism sectors. Boonjaroen said he would initially sink US$5 million (Bt178 million) into the venture.

He said they would also consider investing in a can-making factory, to improve the packaging of food and beverages.

The delegation said they were also interested in assessing tourism potential, in order to develop partnerships.

CCS Engineering is a manufacturer of electronic and automotive components for Japanese, North American and European markets.