VietNamNet Bridge – The People's Committee of northern Quang Ninh Province has given the nod to co-operation between Thailand and Viet Nam in building a high-technology industrial complex.

At a recent meeting between the provincial people's committee and two groups, Amata (Thailand) and Tuan Chau, it was stated the complex was to cover 16,000ha of Quang Yen, Uong Bi districts and Ha Long City, the provincial newspaper reports.

It would provide high-tech centres, free trade zones, research and development centres, value-added products and education and urban areas.

Tuan Chau Group started 15 years ago in the province; its first project was a road linking Tuan Chau Island and National Highway 18. Now the group has 18 smaller companies operating mostly in tourism and real estate.

Amata is Thailand's leading developer and manager of industrial estates. In Viet Nam, the Amata city complex in southern Bien Hoa City has 112 factories and more than 700ha of land. It was established in 1994,

Amata Group said phase 1 of the Quang Ninh project would span 500ha in Quang Yen Town at a cost of $1.5-2 billion. Phase 1 was expected to start this year's December and the first plant would go into operation next year.

Provincial chairman Nguyen Van Doc said Quang Ninh was lying in the northern economic hub. He said the investment was a step to convert Quang Ninh into an economic model focusing on industrial and tourism development.

Doc said the province would set up a steering committee for the project. Amata was understood to be working with Tuan Chau to prepare a final proposal to submit to the Government next week.

Source: VNS