7-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia has put forward a proposal to Thailand that could see private companies and startups playing a pivotal role in the development of special economic zones (SEZs) in southern Thailand.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed this initiative following a courtesy call from Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa on 6 August. The Malaysian premier expressed optimism about the potential of private sector involvement to attract increased investment into these SEZs.
“Their participation could serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region,” Mr Anwar stated in a Facebook post. He went on to suggest that the Malaysian state of Kelantan could seize this opportunity to establish business spaces along the Sungai Golok, the river that forms part of the border between the two nations.
The proposal comes on the heels of a recent working visit by Mr Anwar and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisn to the border areas of Sungai Golok, Thailand and Rantau Panjang, Kelantan on 3 August. During this visit, the leaders engaged in discussions centred on the rubber sector and food industry, highlighting the shared economic interests of both countries.
In addition to economic cooperation, the talks between Mr Anwar and Mr Maris touched upon infrastructure development, with particular focus on dredging the Sungai Golok estuary. This initiative aims to address the persistent flooding issues that plague communities along the border, a problem that has been a source of concern for years.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process, underscoring Malaysia’s role as a facilitator in peace talks aimed at resolving decades of conflict in Thailand’s southern provinces. The appointment of Mohd Rabin Basir as the new Malaysian Government Facilitator for this process, effective from 1 July, further emphasises Malaysia’s dedication to regional stability.
Thailand’s SEZ policy, first launched in 2015, has seen the establishment of special economic zones across 10 regions in the country. These zones, spread across provinces including Songkhla and Narathiwat which border Malaysia, were conceived with the aim of enhancing trade, economic, and investment connections with neighbouring countries.
