Thailand says $61 bil project can link to Xi's Belt and Road

(June 22): Thailand said a US$44 billion ($61.1 billion) plan to add infrastructure and upgrade industry on its eastern seaboard can link up with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as part of a push to encourage economic growth.

The Eastern Economic Corridor project could be beneficial for China and the rest of Southeast Asia, apart from bolstering Thailand’s outlook, Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said in a Bloomberg Television interview in Bangkok.

"It’s very natural, logical, and mutually beneficial for the EEC to link up with One Belt, One Road, and other regional initiatives like the RCEP or even TPP if that goes ahead," Uttama said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations initiative known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the struggling Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

---

Related Stories

• Buying into China stimulus Is ‘painful trade’, Lombard Odier says
• China’s stock rally faces risk as retail enthusiasm seen cooling
• China keeps policy loan rate unchanged for second month

---