Recently, Vietnam Economic News’s reporters had an interview to Somhatai Panichewa- President of Amata Vietnam J.S Company about the company’s development and the strategic expansion in Vietnam.
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Amata Corp. PCL is Thailand’s leading developer and manager of factory estates. Both its Thai estates are situated in the nation’s Eastern Seaboard region, today Southeast Asia’s preferred location for manufacturing.
Recently, Vietnam Economic News’s reporters had an interview to Somhatai Panichewa- President of Amata Vietnam J.S Company about the company’s development and the strategic expansion in Vietnam.
As the successful Thai investor in Vietnam for 18 years, could you tell us which advantages and challenges for AMATA to develop in Vietnam, especially in the current economic slowdown period?
Obviously, we recognized Vietnam as the potential country that offers a lot of advantages. The stable political situation was one of the key factors that gave us assurance in investing here. The Vietnamese people are also fast learners and hard working. However, it is a challenge to find new FDI into the market. Nowadays, nearby countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, or even Thailand, are all trying to pull more FDI into their countries. How can we attract FDIs to Vietnam but not other countries is a big challenge that needs great support from Governmental policies on FDI to compete with neighboring countries.
On the other hand, the current economic downturn brought us new opportunites of expansion from owners of projects who could not fulfill and offered for acquisition. The situation taught us that we should be patient and prepare the long-term financial recovery until when we can breathe again after the crisis. I believe next year will be a brighter year for our industry as the trend for investment is shifting from Europe and America to Asia. This is an advantage we must take.
What do you hope for new projects in Long Thanh and Commercial area in Amata Industrial Park in Bien Hoa City?
Amata is a dedicated developer and a real friend of the country. We always hope for good things for Vietnam and Amata wishes to contribute more to Vietnam’s economy. This is the reason why we signed an MOU between Thai Chamber of Commerce and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the establishment of Thailand-Vietnam Business Council, which was witnessed by our two country’s Prime Ministers on October 29, 2012 in Hanoi. We believe that our projects will help attract more FDI to Vietnam in the long-term.
For Amata’s Long Thanh project, we find it very important to have the support from the government in pushing the development of infrastructure and land compensation in this area and most importantly, the government should help create attractive investment policies to make Vietnam competitive.
As the new president of Amata Vietnam do you have any new strategies or new plan to develop the company?
By year 2015, when ASEAN countries move towards AEC, it will create a more favorable condition for our company to grow. Amata will prepare for this new opportunity by focusing on developing human resources. We will implement the shared service center where our Vietnam staffs will be able to exchange their knowledge and experiences by offering them chances to work in Thailand and Myanmar.
Could you tell us what is the key for your company’ success and the experience from Amata to sustainably develop in Vietnam that new Thai investor can discover?
From my experience from having worked with Vietnam for nearly eight years, investing in Vietnam or whichever countries, I would suggest that you stay together in a group. Then you will have friends to help you in situations and together you grow. In addition, we cannot wait for customers to come but knock on doors to invite them instead. Specific for our industry, it is essential to provide quality and friendly environment in order to satisfy our customer’s requirements. Our quality includes good management, high quality infrastructure, building, and even quality location.
Businesses between our two countries still have lots of chances for cooperation. Together we will move forward to a brighter future.
(Source: VEN/DNO)
