She said that the Thai government launched the SMART Visa program last February to facilitate entry and stay of highly-skilled foreign professionals, which plays an essential role in Thailand 4.0's science-based activities. 

Four main groups of people are eligible for the program: science and technology experts, investors, executives working with technology-based projects within targeted industries, and people joining start-ups, endorsed incubation programs or accelerator programs, Duangjai explained. 

She said that a SMART visa is valid for four years, compared to the typical one-year validity, and it grants automatic claim on a work permit in addition to granting entry and work permits to the holder's family. 

Duangjai said that this year the BOI also initiated the "Thailand Investment Year," a special incentive program designed to stimulate investment in targeted high-tech industries crucial to economic transformation. 

"Companies investing in the targeted sectors will be entitled to additional tax incentives if they submit their applications by the end of this year," she said. 

Duangjai believes the promotion measures offered by the BOI are so competitive that Chinese companies will find Thailand to be a good investment destination, which will help the country improve its scientific and technological capabilities. 

As the 2019 ASEAN President, Thailand is promoting connectivity, a focus of the organization. "We will make significant investments in developing infrastructure facilities connecting with our neighboring countries," Duangjai said. 

She added that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will also enhance connectivity and prosperity among participating countries, and that there is great potential in the complementarity of the BRI and the EEC, as well as other initiatives of China and Thailand.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)