Although the EEC policy is the correct one to pursue, there are more challenging issues than was previously thought that the government has to overcome, TDRI president Somkiat Tangkitvanich said yesterday. The planned Bt88.1-billion expansion of Laem Chabang Seaport requires reclamation work and its environment impact assessment is opposed by the local communities. As local communities are starting to voice their concerns, Somkiat said that should the government and local communities be able to work out their differences, those projects could proceed. Foreign investors at the forum also expressed concerned about the delay in EEC infrastructure projects, as history suggested that large investment projects were often implemented at a slower pace. As to the 10-promoted industries in the EEC, Somkiat predicted that much fewer than 10 would attract much private investment.

Source: The Nation Bangkok October 10, 2017 14:48 UTC