The Thai Minister of Industry, Uttama Savanayana, stated that the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and the Thai distribution and industry company, WHA Corporation Plc, have made joint investment plans. WHA is registered in the Stock Exchange Thailand (SET) and recently obtained permission from the development committee for the Easter Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand to establish a special e-commerce district.
In concrete terms, WHA purchased an area of 371.2 thousand square meter in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao, for their special e-commerce district. WHA also invested 1.3 billion Thai baht [41 million USD] in development projects for automation, distribution, and data centers.
"These two companies have become partners in the e-commerce district project of Chachoengsao. Apart from the company presence on the ground, this project also supports the national distribution system and online trade services." This is according to Mr. Uttama who added that the government encouraged this innovative project to lift the level of technology to new heights. At the same time, Alibaba seeks to invest more in Thailand and expand its business in Southeast Asia.
"Alibaba plans to construct a distribution center and provide services to the e-commerce market in Southeast Asia," said Mr. Uttama. "The special e-commerce district includes a research and development center, and a development center for small and medium companies." He further stated that Alibaba hopes to link the small and medium companies in this area into a supply chain that delivers products for their e-commerce market. They also hope to attract more Chinese companies to invest in Thailand.
