More Japanese SMEs to invest in Thailand

BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) - A surge in the number of Japanese investors wishing to do business in Thailand has been reported as more confidence is found in the Thai government’s flood planning. Industry Minister Mom Rajawong Pongsavas Svastiwas said at least 35 Japanese Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SME) operators will travel to Thailand later in July after Deputy Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt visited Osaka this week to present the flood plans. In Osaka, talks were also held with Governor of Mie Prefecture Eikei Suzuki, who claimed an office would be set up in Thailand soon to facilitate Japanese investments, especially in the technology sector. According to Mom Rajawong Pongsavas, the value of investment projects seeking Board of Investment (BoI) promotional privileges in the first five months of this year was above 370 billion baht. For the entire 2012 year, the government has a target of at least 600 billion baht. (TNA)