Farmers will reap EEC rewards, Uttama says – 25 Jul 2017

• The Industry Ministry will ensure that farmers benefit from the government’s flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project minister, Uttama Savanayana said.
• It is part of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s strategy to take care of the agriculture sector, particularly farmers in areas near the EEC.
• The new rail projects, intended to link the EEC to other parts of the country as well as overseas markets via the deep-sea ports and the U-tapao airport, should at least help cut production and logistics costs to allow people in the farming sector make a greater profit.
• The EEC project, spanning more than 30,000 rail in the three eastern provinces of Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao, is expected to help generate new investment of up to THB1.5tr within five years from both the public and private sectors.
• It is meant to serve as Thailand’s new growth engine through 10 targeted industries: next-generation cars; smart electronics; affluent, medical and wellness tourism; agriculture and biotechnology; food; robotics for industry; logistics and aviation; biofuels and biochemicals; digital; and medical services.
• Mr Uttama said the master plan to modernise industry under Thailand 4.0, particularly the plan to promote biochemical and biobased industries, should help spur innovation that will add higher value to local farm products.
• Infrastructure should help create valuable supply chains involving farm-related and food processing industries that will help increase demand for farm products, he added.
• He said the Industry Ministry in cooperation with other related government agencies will figure out new measures to support the agriculture sector so that it grows in tandem with Thai industry.

External Link : http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1293335/farmers-will-reap-eec-rewards-uttama-says