ADB seeks co-financing of Thai projects

ADB seeks co-financing of Thai projects  

By Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

Hideaki Iwasaki

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is looking to co-financing deals of mass transit, double-track rail and renewal energy projects with the Thai companies, said Hideaki Iwasaki, the bank's country director in the Kingdom. 

He said Thai government is in a strong fiscal position and has not borrowed much from the ADB.

However, The ADB has provided loans to private companies in recent years, citing co-financing of the yellow and pink mass transit lines in Bangkok.

The bank is keen on co-financing mass transit projects in Bangkok.

Although Thailand has started investing in double-track rail projects, the bank can still provide financial support to some sections of the systems, he said.

Renewal energy such as solar and wind power is also an area ADB has supported financially as it promotes sustainable development, he said.

The bank has helped local institutions raise funds by issuing green bonds.

It has also provided financial support for the construction of highways in Roi Et and the road from Sakon Nakhon to Nakhon Phanom.

“The ADB is now focusing on climate change and road safety in Thailand,” Iwasaki said.

It is also currently working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on improving the management of 29 regional airports in small cities.

It has conducted a study on the matter, he added.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30376740