Nakhon Phanom must commercialise its land surrounding the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to "unlock its potential" as a main logistics hub for international trade in Asean and southern China, Northeastern Thai Industries Federation chairman Viroj Pipatchaisiri says.
The province has so far been unable to financially benefit from its "advantageous" location, bordering eastern Laos over the Mekong River, he said. The 1. It is normally used as a trade route for goods traveling to and from Laos, Vietnam and southern parts of China.
To attract investors, the special economic zone allows import tax and logistics-related fee deduction benefits for businesses that are seen to promote economic activities in the area. Nakhon Phanom's ,rai special economic zone comprises parts of the province's Muang Nakhon Phanom and Tha Uthen districts, covering around 13 sub-districts. A subcommittee chaired by Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda earlier reached an agreement to set aside 2, rai of land around the bridge for initial industrial development, due to its proximity to neighbouring Laos.
The invocation of Section 44 to establish SEZs in provinces across the country has been met with mixed reactions from pundits and members of the public. Proponents of the government's move say it is a sure-fire way to kick-start economic developments in underdeveloped provinces. Wacharin Jiaviriyaboonya, president of the Nakhon Phanom Federation of Industries, said the use of Section 44 to establish this SEZ has eliminated the need for lengthy discussions over what to do with the land, particularly when sections of land eyed for economic development are owned by different bodies.
According to Nakhon Phanom's website, the province has been placed at 57th in gross provincial product GPP rankings countrywide, with an annual GPP of about 73, baht per capita, as of The debt accumulated by teachers nationwide totals 1. Other Services. Bridge holds key to Nakhon Phanom boom 6. Bridge holds key to Nakhon Phanom boom Province urged to 'unlock its potential'. File Photo by Nauvarat Suksamran. Do you like the content of this article?
