Gov’t urged to set up special economic zone in Thailand's west

BANGKOK, December 10 (TNA) – The Tak Chamber of Commerce has urged the Thai government to set up a special economic zone in western Thailand, in order to boost trade and investment with Myanmar. Secretary-general to the Chamber Prasert Juengkijrungroj, emphasized on the need, saying several countries, especially the U.S. and China, already have plans to invest more in Myanmar. Cross border trade between Thailand and Myanmar was disrupted earlier due to the closure of Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and the severe flood, Mr. Prasert said, adding that since the bridge was now reopened, Thailand should speed on developing the cross border trade with that country before it loses the market there. Thailand still has no special economic zones while its neighbours, Myanmar and Laos, already have, he added. Mr. Prasert said with the economic zone, Thai exports to inner parts of Myanmar could increase to double. Besides an expansion of Thai exports and investment, he said tourism with Myanmar could be boosted after several Myanmarese minority groups have ceased fighting. (TNA)