DB World has expressed significant interest in the land bridge project in Thailand, which has a cost of one trillion baht ($27.2 billion), as per the Thai Ministry of Transport. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Chairman and CEO of DB World Group, met with Prime Minister Sritha Thavisin to explore potential investment opportunities in this major initiative. Being the third largest container port operator globally, DB World’s involvement could bring substantial economic benefits to the project.
The Minister of Transport, Surya Jungrungriangkit, disclosed that the discussions focused on a joint venture for the land bridge project, aiming to establish a logistical network connecting Chumphon Province on the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong on the Andaman Sea. He expressed pleasure at the interest shown by an international company like DB World in the project.
Founded in 2005, DB World operates a vast global network encompassing logistics services, freight transportation, port operations, maritime services, and free trade zones. The company handles 70 million container units annually, services around 70,000 ships, representing 10% of global container traffic, and operates through 82 ports in 40 countries.
The dialogue emphasized the significant investment potential of the land bridge project, with optimism from the minister about its progress under the current administration. If implemented, the project could greatly boost the Thai economy, potentially generating up to 1 trillion baht (about $27 billion). Additionally, the Ministry of Transport has been conducting roadshows to attract more local and global investors, with efforts to advance a draft law on the Southern Economic Corridor.