"Once the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement is signed, Japanese investment will flow to Thailand, particularly in industrial areas," department director-general Pramode Vidtayasuk said yesterday. "Hence, our cooperation will focus on developing Thai workers' skills and technology to support Japan's future expansion."

He said Thai operators would benefit from improved labour skills and the transfer of technology from Japan. On the other hand, Japanese companies will have more skilled labour to support their businesses here.

The strategy will cover foundry, non-ferrous, die-casting, forging, moulding, stamping and heat-treatment businesses. About 60 representatives from Thai and Japanese companies will also participate in the meeting to express their opinions on strategic plans, he added.

The department yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Sangthong Technology School to

train 150 workers this year in the fields of electronics and computers.

According to a survey, the country still lacks 2,184 technicians and engineers in the electronics industry, which forces companies to rely on foreign technicians when their machines need repair.

The project will, therefore, reduce the cost incurred when buying new machinery or hiring foreign technicians to repair defective equipment, Pramode said.

"This is a pilot project to increase the number of skilled labourers in the industrial sector. We also aim to produce about 7,200 quality workers to cover other industries in the next five years," he added.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation