Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
Government Initiative
The Royal Thai Government has laid out a 20-Year Strategy for Thailand to achieve high-income status by 2036. The strategy includes a wide range of top-down initiatives, especially in infrastructure and people development, to transform Thailand into a nation that can compete against wealthier, more knowledge-based economies. The government calls the strategy “Thailand 4.0”, taking a cue from the concept of “Industry 4.0” aimed at transforming the country into an innovative, value-based industry, with an emphasis on 12 fields such as automation and robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuel and biochemicals, and digital.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development lies at the heart of Thailand 4.0 scheme. The EEC is an area-based development initiative, aiming to revitalize the well-known Eastern Seaboard where, for 30 years, numerous business developers have experienced a rewarding investment journey and exceptional achievements.The EEC project initially focused on the 3 Eastern provinces, namely Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao. The EEC development plan envisages a significant transformation of both physical and social development, plays an important role as a regulatory sandbox uplifting the country’s competitiveness. With a clear regulatory and governance structure,
EEC overall development plan has been well established. The EEC Policy Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand, comprises of 15 ministers and the others from government agencies, Private Sector Association, and specialists. EEC Office receives full support from the government with distinctive regulatory and governance structure. An integrated infrastructure is developed for EEC to become the prime gateway to both South East Asia and the Asia Pacific in the upcoming years. The EEC Development Plan is integrated into the 20-year National Strategy and comprises of Development of fundamental infrastructure, Development of digital infrastructure, Development of livable smart cities and financial centers, Development of targeted industries that utilize advanced technology, Development of promotion of tourism, Development of human resources, education, research, and technology.
THE ASSOCIATION OF THAI-AFRICA RELATIONS 