Leading the pack is China Investment Corporation (CIC), the sovereign wealth fund, which expressed strong interest in investing in Thailand Infrastructure Fund, established to raise capital from both individual investors and institutional investors in order to finance infrastructure projects across the country.

The minister, who led a mission to Beijing during January 29-30, said the fund matches CIC’s goal in seeking stable and long-term returns.

To facilitate the investment, the State Enterprise Policy Office will deal directly with CIC, he added.

During a discussion with state-enterprises and private companies, Apisak unveiled Thailand’s Special Investment Promotion Year 2016, whereby incentives would be offered to draw more foreign investment particularly to 10 key industries.

The enterprises were interested in exploring investment opportunities in Thailand as well as setting up headquarters here, the minister said.

He added that more investment from large-sized Chinese enterprises would give a long-term boost to the Thai economy and the manufacturing sector, as well as assist Thailand’s goal to become the trade and investment hub in Asean.