Nippon Steel, JFE Steel could Win Thai Blast Furnace Project, Thai Official

Thai deputy prime minister and minister of industry Suwit Khunkitti said at press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday Nippon Steel and JFE Steel are in better position to be selected as investor for new blast furnace project in Thailand. He said Japanese steel makers are well better position than Baosteel and Arcelor Mittal for the project when Thai government emphasizes technology level to make high valued steel, long term business experience for downstream operations, local customer base including transplants of Japanese automakers and environmental technology. Mr. Swuit said the government selects one or more firms as player for the project after half year to a year of study. He said Japanese steel makers already cleared Thai government’s standard for the project. He said the government tries to support for not only blast furnace project but also total steel industry including downstream operations. He indicated the government would invest for land developing, port and electric power supply. Mr. Suwit said Nippon Steel and JFE Steel apparently have contact with Sahaviriya group indicating potential joint venture with local companies including Sahaviriya Steel Industries for blast furnace project. Secretary general Satit Chanjavanakul of Office of Board of Investment, Ministry of Industry said the project needs consent of local community. Permanent secretary Chakramon Phasukavanich of Ministry of Industry said the project could be joint venture with local partner for consent of local community.