At the Novotel Rim Pae Hotel recently, NESDB Deputy Secretary- General Somchai Krusuansombat presided over a seminar on Guidelines for the Eastern Seaboard Development Phase II, recently organized by the Central Development Centre, NESDB. The seminar served as a venue for a consulting firm, SEMA Group Belgium, to present the interim reports on the ESB Phase II to approximate 200 participants representing relevant public and private agencies, and local stake-holder in the region.
The interim studies, according to Mr Somchai, were aimed at making recommendations to maximize the utillization of the facilities constructed during the ESB phase I, and, secondly, at developing plans to link the ESB phase I infrastructures with its hinterland, other regions of the country, and to Indochina and Southern China. The third objective was to formulate a strategy to develop the hinterland areas of the three ESB I provinces, namely Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao, and the area to the north of the ESB to accommodate new economic activities. The last two objectives were to formulate policies, plans, programs and strategies to develop urban communities that are economically, socially and environmentally balanced, and to make recommendations on institutional strengthening of the local institutions in the fields of planning (economic and urban), finance and management.
To conduct the interim reports, the consulting firm took into account the decisions of the Steering Committee, with emphasis on operational guidelines and ways to enhance development of 11 provinces in the ESB Phase II, including Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi and Lop Buri.
The consulting firm suggested four major development guidelines, namely : overall development; urban and industrial development; infrastructure development; and the development of local society, environment and local institutions. After the briefing on these guidelines, there came an opportunity for all participants to voice their opinions which can be summarized as:
The meeting requested the consulting firm to seek more information on development projects which would involve several agencies so as to avoid duplication of operations, especially those projects relevant to the highways networks to connect the above provinces. To be included for consideration in this respect is the water supply project in the ESB Phase II, telecommunications projects, as well as the more explicit guidelines for development of certain industries, such as petro-chemistry, supporting industries, or even tourism industry,etc.
Besides, the meeting considered that the ESB Phase II emphasize social development and sound environmental protection in order to ensure consistency with the Eighth Plan's development strategies. Emphasis, furthermore, should be on projection of future social and environmental conditions following the development of this coastal area, including the respective ecosystem and natural resources. More private investment concerning social development and environmental protection should be emphasize so as not to hinder the development of other sectors in years ahead. The consulting firm, according to the participants, should consult with local people and organizations so as to derive accurate information for sustainable development of this region.
The meeting then assigned the consulting firm to take the above recommendations for conducting the pre-feasibility studies.
--Development News Bulletin, National Economic and Social Development Board, Volume 11, No.10--
The interim studies, according to Mr Somchai, were aimed at making recommendations to maximize the utillization of the facilities constructed during the ESB phase I, and, secondly, at developing plans to link the ESB phase I infrastructures with its hinterland, other regions of the country, and to Indochina and Southern China. The third objective was to formulate a strategy to develop the hinterland areas of the three ESB I provinces, namely Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao, and the area to the north of the ESB to accommodate new economic activities. The last two objectives were to formulate policies, plans, programs and strategies to develop urban communities that are economically, socially and environmentally balanced, and to make recommendations on institutional strengthening of the local institutions in the fields of planning (economic and urban), finance and management.
To conduct the interim reports, the consulting firm took into account the decisions of the Steering Committee, with emphasis on operational guidelines and ways to enhance development of 11 provinces in the ESB Phase II, including Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi and Lop Buri.
The consulting firm suggested four major development guidelines, namely : overall development; urban and industrial development; infrastructure development; and the development of local society, environment and local institutions. After the briefing on these guidelines, there came an opportunity for all participants to voice their opinions which can be summarized as:
The meeting requested the consulting firm to seek more information on development projects which would involve several agencies so as to avoid duplication of operations, especially those projects relevant to the highways networks to connect the above provinces. To be included for consideration in this respect is the water supply project in the ESB Phase II, telecommunications projects, as well as the more explicit guidelines for development of certain industries, such as petro-chemistry, supporting industries, or even tourism industry,etc.
Besides, the meeting considered that the ESB Phase II emphasize social development and sound environmental protection in order to ensure consistency with the Eighth Plan's development strategies. Emphasis, furthermore, should be on projection of future social and environmental conditions following the development of this coastal area, including the respective ecosystem and natural resources. More private investment concerning social development and environmental protection should be emphasize so as not to hinder the development of other sectors in years ahead. The consulting firm, according to the participants, should consult with local people and organizations so as to derive accurate information for sustainable development of this region.
The meeting then assigned the consulting firm to take the above recommendations for conducting the pre-feasibility studies.
--Development News Bulletin, National Economic and Social Development Board, Volume 11, No.10--