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Published on February 11, 2008

The proposals are part of the Thailand Investment Year campaign.

They include promoting and adding value in high-potential industries, such as hard-disk drives, eco-cars, freight, entertainment and health.

They will encourage knowledge-based industries such as biotech, biodegradable materials and renewable energy.

They will develop infrastructure development, including steel, petrochemicals and fuel crops and include port construction connecting the east and west coasts.

The board wants to promote investment in research and development and boost collaboration with academic institutes.

It will encourage local investors to expand businesses in Asean, China, India and Bangladesh.

The board will be aggressive with road shows to attract investment at home and overseas, particularly in Japan and Europe.

It will revise some complicated regulations, too. Permanent secretary Chakramon Phasukvanich said Europe would be a main target because of its advanced technologies.

He said the policies would help small and medium-sized enterprises improve the quality and design of their products.

"For example, textile and garment companies will be able to learn from European investors, as they are leaders in the fashion business," he said.

Chakramon said the minister was likely to accept all proposals.

Meanwhile, the board and Bangkok Bank will take investors to Indonesia next month to explore opportunities there.

Deputy secretary-general Hirunya Suchinai said this was to encourage local businesses to expand into Indonesia, particularly those reliant on labour and natural resources. Indonesia is a potential market due to its large population.

At present Siam Cement and Banpu operate in Indonesia.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation