Bt670-billion transport investments in next 2 years
DEPUTY FINANCE Minister Wisudhi Srisuphan said yesterday that Bt670 billion of capital for investment in the country's transport projects would begin to pour into the economic system over the next two years.
“The stimulus measures to help low-income earners and small and medium enterprises together worth Bt180 billion, along with the measures to encourage private investment are all progressing alongside each other during the time that we are waiting for the investments in mega-projects.
“I believe that the government’s infrastructure projects are already beginning to affect the economy.
“The ministry expects Bt670 billion to enter the economic system between 2016 and 2017 out of the long-term Bt1.9-trillion plan,” he said at the SET Awards event arranged by the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
“This includes investment in roads, electric trains, railways, water and air under the public-private partnership [PPP] investment scheme and the regular budget,” he said.
The government in March approved the Bt1.9-trillion infrastructure development scheme spanning eight years through 2022. It covers mainly the Transport Ministry’s investment in transport and logistics systems.
The State Enterprise Policy Office estimated in April that private investment would make up Bt380 billion or 20 per cent of the Bt1.9-trillion infrastructure projects. The fiscal 2016 budget is Bt2.72 trillion with a deficit of Bt390 billion.
The initiative to offer houses costing no more than Bt600,000 to low-income earners is under negotiation between the government’s economic team and developers.
The Treasury Department is looking for a suitable site for the project.
This government housing project is meant to help those earning wages and/or other income totalling less than Bt15,000 per month to own a home.
“There are both leasehold and freehold properties that are being discussed.
“The Treasury Department is looking for leasehold land that is suitable for low-income earners, while the freehold land will be provided by the private sector,” Wisudhi said.
At the SET Awards, Banthoon Lamsam, chairman and chief executive officer of Kasikornbank, and Somprasong Boonyachai, executive director and CEO of Intouch Holdings Plc, won this year’s Best CEO Award.
Jubilee Enterprise Plc and Kasikorn Securities scooped the SET Award of Honour for their continuous excellent performance from 2012-15.
