Key agencies team up to restore confidence

The collaboration is aimed at improving Thailand's image among these important categories of people, who are major income earners for the country and need to be lured back in order to boost economic growth.

Out of a gross domestic product worth up to Bt9 trillion, Bt6 trillion is from exports, Bt600 billion from foreign direct investment and Bt600 billion from tourism.

Department of Export Promotion (DEP) director-general Rachane Potjanasuntorn said the three agencies each had a major role to play in generating income.

The mission is to arrange roadshows in target markets, led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as the head of the Kingdom's economic team.

The roadshows are intended to put into action solid measures to drive exports, as well as promoting tourism and investment from each region.

The department will also meet representatives of 20 private-sector bodies on January 7 to estimate export growth and seek new measures for promoting exports next year during the global economic downturn.

The DEP, Board of Investment (BoI) and Tourism Authority of Thailand will also hold a major seminar in Thailand next month aimed at promoting exports, travel and investment next year.

BoI secretary-general Atchaka Sibunruang Brimble said Japan would be the first target country for a roadshow, as it was the biggest foreign investor in Thailand.

The event is tentatively planned for next month.

Other target markets are Malaysia and other Asean countries, as well as the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere in the Middle East.

She said the BoI would also set up offices in several cities next year - including Beijing, Seoul, Guangzhou, Sydney and Stockholm - as a way to establish investment promotion plans and promote Thailand among targeted investors.

Potential sectors for foreign investment are the production of food, steel, electronic parts, automobile parts, alternative energy, packaging, and services industries like hotels, hospitals and property development.

Atchaka said the BoI had targeted attracting up to Bt650 billion in foreign direct investment next year despite missing the same target this year.

The BoI reported only Bt450 billion of foreign investment this year, as there have been no large projects. Atchaka said the agency hoped to attract more large projects next year as a result of its roadshows.

The BoI already has 237 projects worth Bt134 billion awaiting approval for investment next year.