Bangkok – Thailand : In a recent inspection of the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), the Minister of Industry, Pimpatra Wichaikul, highlighted the immense potential of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) region. The area is poised to be promoted as a Regional Halal Food Hub (Halal Hub), aiming to build trust among consumers primarily from the Middle Eastern nations.
The SEC region’s demographic makeup, primarily composed of Muslims, and its strategic proximity to Malaysia, make it an ideal candidate for this initiative. Establishing the Halal Hub would not only cater to the local consumption but would also pave the way for exports to Middle Eastern countries where Islam is the predominant religion.
Minister Pimpatra emphasized the need for a swift identification of target industries across all 4 economic corridor areas. Such a move would provide entrepreneurs with clear guidelines and also boost further investments in these regions. She stated, “The Ministry of Industry, through the OIE, is entrusted with guiding entrepreneurs to navigate the ever-changing economic trends. Our goal is to use the data we’ve collected and analyzed to chart a course that aligns with each region’s unique potential.”
Apart from these economic initiatives, the State Welfare Enterprise Division (SWED) is also taking active steps to tackle environmental issues. In collaboration with the private sector, they are rolling out a comprehensive plan to address the burning issues, particularly the prevalent PM2.5 dust in higher altitude areas.
As Minister Pimpatra reiterated, the Ministry of Industry remains committed to being a trusted entity that the public can rely upon, ensuring satisfaction during every interaction. She concluded, “Our primary objective is to foster economic growth that benefits our citizens and creates smiles with every service we provide.”
This development promises a new chapter for the SEC area, leveraging its strategic position and demographic advantages to strengthen ties with Middle Eastern nations while fostering local growth.
