For companies eyeing Southeast Asia as a strategic destination, understanding the importance of strategic communication in this diverse region is vital, especially in the context of initiatives like the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Transforming Thailand’s Industrial Landscape
The EEC Development Plan is a visionary initiative that aims to position Thailand as a powerhouse for industrial production in Southeast Asia. This ambitious plan entails substantial investments in both physical and social infrastructure within the EEC, a region initially encompassing three eastern provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong.
Within the EEC, the Thai government has identified ten target industries, divided into two groups: the “5 FIRST CURVE” and the “5 NEW CURVE.” These industries include:
5 FIRST CURVE
- Automotive for the future
- Smart electronics
- Agriculture & biotechnology
- Food for the future
- World-class tourism
5 NEW CURVE
- Robotics & automation
- Aviation & logistics
- Bioenergy & biochemicals
- Medical & health industry
- Digital industry
To tap into the opportunities presented by the EEC, understanding the cultural nuances and linguistic diversity of the region is crucial.
Getting Your Asian Communications Right: The Role of Localization
A critical aspect of this process is ensuring consistent brand & business promotion in multiple languages in Southeast Asia. Localization is not just a linguistic endeavor; it’s a strategic communication tool that can transform a company’s expansion in the digital economy.
By understanding and respecting the cultures and languages of Southeast Asia, businesses can build strong relationships with their customers, foster trust, and thrive in the vibrant and dynamic markets of the EEC and beyond.
Asian Language Specialists: The Key to Success in the EEC
As the Eastern Economic Corridor continues to develop into a regional economic powerhouse, businesses that invest in the EEC should prioritize effective localization strategies to succeed in the diverse and culturally rich landscape of Thailand in particular & Southeast Asia in general.
For instance, if your business in the EEC involves construction or other highly regulated activities, ensure that all legal documents, permits, and contracts are accurately translated into Thai. It’s essential to have a legal team or advisor who is well-versed in Thai construction laws and regulations. Adhering to local legal requirements and norms not only ensures compliance but also fosters a positive reputation and smooth operations within the EEC.
Create a brand strategy that can be easily localized for different regions while retaining the core elements of your brand and actually can “speak” in local language. This approach allows you to scale your business and maintain brand recognition across target markets, striking a balance between global consistency and local relevance.
Or in a macro point of view, if you operate an e-commerce business targeting Thai consumers in the EEC, ensure your platform accepts payments in Thai Baht (THB) and offer popular local payment methods like PromptPay, pay at 7-Eleven or Family Mart counter service, and online banking.
The significance of Asian localization services becomes particularly evident when entering the EEC’s digital industry. This dynamic sector demands an in-depth understanding of local consumer preferences and cultural intricacies, which EQHO is well-equipped to provide.
Empowering Businesses in the EEC with Localization
EQHO, a multilingual communication company, with its extensive experience and comprehensive language offerings for over 25 years, is the ideal partner to help businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities in this region.
EQHO’s expertise extends to over 65 languages, including all South East Asian languages such as Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, and Tagalog. Additionally, they cover emerging languages like Burmese, Lao, Hmong, Khmer (Cambodia).
* Photo courtesy of Pexels.com/ Tom Fisk, Quang Vinh Nguyen, Julius Silver.
