The government is due to finalise the model and regulations for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Eastern Economic Corridor and submit them for approval to the EEC board, chaired by the prime minister, next month.
The PPP regulations are one of the primary areas for which foreign investors have been awaiting clarification before making EEC-related investment decisions.
A key question is the proportion of investment between the government and foreign investors.
EEC Office secretary-general Kanit Sangsubhan said the government is accelerating the draft of the PPP model to be applied to infrastructure megaprojects in the EEC, particularly the five major projects linking the EEC to the world.
"The conclusion of the PPP is due to be completed soon, and we plan to submit it to the EEC board for approval on Nov 22, when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will chair the meeting," Mr Kanit said.
The five infrastructure projects that the government aims to accelerate, worth more than 400 billion baht, are the U-tapao expansion project, the high-speed train linking three major airports, the expansion of Laem Chabang seaport, the expansion of Map Ta Phut seaport, and the aviation maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) hub.
Mr Kanit said the EEC Office has also fast-tracked a plan to generate skilled labour to meet rising demand in the EEC. Current demand for skilled labour is estimated at 63,567 employees in the 10 targeted industries, which are mostly related to high technology.
The 10 targeted industries are 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.
"Since the targeted industries are the industries of the future, we have very few professionals who can be lecturers," Mr Kanit said. "But we have to work out projects to provide more instructors and training courses to help generate skilled labour to meet rising demand in the EEC."