Alibaba project in Thailand to support Asean e-commerce
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Alibaba Group has pledged to build an e-commerce park in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to serve the burgeoning Asean e-commerce market, says Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana.
Covering 300 rai (50ha), the park will serve as the centre of Alibaba’s logistics business in Asean, he says.
The Chinese e-commerce giant expects to sign the project’s first-phase contract with local developers within the next few months and start construction before the end of the year.
The second phase will include an R&D unit and a business development centre tailored to cater to small and medium-sized companies, says Uttama, who is in talks with top-level executives of Alibaba subsidiary Lazada.
He says the group will give more details about the project soon.
“Alibaba is investing in the EEC because it is the most attractive investment project in Asean. Also, Thailand is the region’s most promising and best located e-commerce market.”
Uttama says Alibaba wants to use Thailand as a stepping stone to the global market, and as a production base for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
The government has allotted more than 18,000 rai for the EEC project, adding to 30,000 rai already allocated.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary purpose of Alibaba's e-commerce park in Thailand?
What is the primary purpose of Alibaba's e-commerce park in Thailand?
The park will serve as the centre of Alibaba’s logistics business within the Asean region. It is intended to support the growing e-commerce market there and help Alibaba use Thailand as a stepping stone to the global market.
Q.When is construction expected to begin on Alibaba's e-commerce park?
When is construction expected to begin on Alibaba's e-commerce park?
Alibaba expects to sign the first-phase contract with local developers within the next few months. Construction on the e-commerce park is then scheduled to start before the end of the current year.
Q.What additional facilities are planned for the second phase of the project?
What additional facilities are planned for the second phase of the project?
The second phase of the project will incorporate an R&D unit. It will also include a business development centre specifically designed to cater to small and medium-sized companies.
Q.Why has Alibaba chosen the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) for this investment?
Why has Alibaba chosen the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) for this investment?
Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana states that Alibaba views the EEC as Asean's most attractive investment project. He also mentioned that Thailand is considered the region’s most promising and best-located e-commerce market.
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