EECO visits Austria, partners with leading enterprises and UNIDO to drive BCG–hydrogen investments in the EEC

Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), led a delegation to the Republic of Austria during 4–9 November 2025 to promote investment in Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) industries. The mission presented Thailand’s readiness—covering infrastructure, tax and non-tax incentives, R&D support, and the industrial ecosystem in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)—to leading Austrian investors.

During the visit, the delegation met with senior executives of Austrian technology companies, including:

• Wolftank Group AG – a specialist in integrated environmental and energy solutions, covering environmental remediation, tank and pipeline coating and maintenance, and hydrogen infrastructure, to explore expansion opportunities in Thailand and ASEAN, particularly tank and pipeline maintenance in industrial estates.
• AVL List GmbH – a leader in mobility technology spanning simulation, testing, engineering, and hydrogen systems (fuel cells, electrolysers, and test systems), to consider collaboration on advanced testing and engineering centres as well as the development of a hydrogen ecosystem in the EEC.

In addition, the delegation paid a visit to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), represented by Mr. Yuko Yasunaga, Deputy to the Director General and the Managing Director of the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations, to discuss approaches to advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) in Thailand. The discussions covered biofuels and biochemicals (including Sustainable Aviation Fuel), agri- and biotechnology, and food processing, together with further cooperation under the GEF-7 framework to pilot reductions in public-transport emissions in Rayong Province.

Furthermore, the delegation also met with two other companies:

• Lenzing AG – a world-leading producer of wood-based cellulosic fibres (such as lyocell fibres under the TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ brands), which operates a production base in 304 Industrial Park in Prachin Buri Province, to discuss market trends for specialised fibres and opportunities to expand production capacity in Thailand, as well as ways to enhance green energy use and logistics throughout the production process and value chain in line with BCG objectives.
• ENGEL GmbH – a leading manufacturer of injection moulding machines and automation systems, to explore the potential of positioning the EEC as a base for testing and demonstrating the company’s BCG-related technologies, such as machinery capable of processing recycled plastic pellets, process and energy reductions to lower carbon emissions, and digital solutions to improve efficiency and reduce waste in production lines, thereby supporting the development of automotive and bioplastics value chains in the EEC.

This visit to Austria reflects confidence in the EEC’s capacity to host investments in BCG industries and hydrogen technologies, as well as environmental remediation solutions and advanced testing and engineering systems. The private sector sees opportunities to connect value chains across Thailand and ASEAN. EECO stands ready to push forward pilot projects with Austrian partners, leading to real investments and supporting Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon economy.