Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Thai Ministry ofIndustry has joined with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to attractFrench investors to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) this year.

Minister of Industry, Uttama Saowanayon revealed after a recent meeting with Thaiprivate sector members in France, that took place at Westin Hotel Paris withPrime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha chairing the meeting, that many majorFrench companies are aware of investment possibilities in Thailand, especiallythose in sectors targeted for development in the EEC by the Thai government.

Atthis stage, many French private companies are interested in investing in theEEC’s infrastructure, are looking at railways, vehicle building, agricultureand the bio-economy, alternative energy and the Smart City concept. They havealso shown interest in services such as education and tourism development.

The Ministry of Industry has therefore initiated cooperation with the FTI’sThai-French business group to work with France’s employment council, anorganization that counts over 750,000 companies as members, to invite Frenchinvestors to visit the EEC this year. Organisations that have already showninterest include Vinci Group, which is interested in basic infrastructure,Transdev, a rail specialist and Engie, an alternative energy leader. They andother organisations however still need in-depth information on investing in theEEC such as the processes involved and privileges.

France is the world’s seventh largest economy and has investments of about 52billion Euros worldwide. It features technological and scientific advancementsin the areas of aviation, rail and alternative energy. Significantly, only 7.6percent of its investments are on the Asian continent.-NNT/VNA