BANGKOK: The Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has agreed to step up investments in Thailand. The founder of the online shopping giant, Jack Ma, met with Thailand's prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, on Thursday and signed an agreement to help set up a "smart digital hub" to facilitate trade between Thailand, China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.Reports said the hub, due to be completed next year, would also serve as a research and development center for Alibaba.

The government said Alibaba also plans to help train Thai entrepreneurs and small businesses in e-commerce and to set up an online tourism platform.

The announcements included no dollar figures. Thai media reported that Alibaba plans to invest 11 billion Thai baht ($350 million) in a showcase government project called the Eastern Economic Corridor.