Level of Transportation Infrastructure and Public Utility Readiness for Thai Investors in Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR Economic Zones

Abstract

This research investigates the level of infrastructure readiness in three countries to support investors in apparel and textile, electronic parts and agro-processing industries. Infrastructures and utilities in this study are transportation to market and ports, electricity and power, water supply, and telecommunication. Ten economic zones are Myawaddy, Yangon and Dawei in Myanmar, Poipet-Sisophon, Koh Kong-Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, and Vientiane, Savannakhet, Pakse and Bokeaw in Lao PDR. This research evaluated the quality of existing and being developed infrastructures through field survey and interview of local investors. After that, investor demands are compiled through in-depth interviews and questionnaires from 51 companies in three segments to rank the importance of infrastructure. Both demand and supply data were compared to show the level of infrastructure readiness for Thai investors. Finally, investment recommendation maps for industries are displayed along with recommendations for Thai government to develop infrastructures according to investor demand.