BANGKOK, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has said that the draft act for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will soon be deliberated by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Somkid who heads the Kingdom's economic affair said the NLA will accelerate the draft act so the appeal for the investment opportunities in the EEC will be made to foreign investors, especially in the area of digital businesses.

"The facilitation of new electric and conventional trains, roads and investments have been expedited to support the new development region," said Somkid, adding that the Thai government is committed to developing and expanding the EEC.

Speaking at a Bangkok seminar on Thailand 4.0 Industrial and Technological Development on Monday, Somkid said many countries including India, China, Russia and Japan had expressed interest in investing in the ASEAN region. Therefore, it is vital that Thailand quickly ramp up its infrastructure and its digital capabilities to facilitate foreign investors.

Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said the EEC would be a large-scaled production base for electric vehicles, robots and processed foods for specific groups of consumers, among others.

Uttama added that given high interest in the EEC, the amount of applications made for the Board of Investment of Thailand's promotional privileges in the EEC areas exceeded 300 billion baht (9.54 billion U.S. dollars) last year, compared to its target of 200 billion baht.

Of the four groups for EEC development, all mega infrastructure projects have been approved, while the rest include investment in new high-tech industries, urban development and tourism.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid said he believes the number of investment promotion requests submitted to the Board of Investment of Thailand this year will be higher than last year.