Their total registered capital was Bt17.462 billion, up 38.05 per cent year on year.
The top three business sectors were: real estate companies totalling 829 companies, with total capital of Bt2.364 billion, followed by building construction companies (398) with Bt661 million, and restaurants (183) with Bt438 million.
Foreign investment via their joint ventures with Thai partners (foreign shareholding at 49 per cent) in the EEC stood at Bt752.780 billion.
Japanese investors pledged Bt375.907 billion, followed by China Bt67.872 billion, Singapore Bt42.358 billion, US Bt27.908 billion and those from the Cayman Islands at Bt23.169 billion.
Vuttikrai said that investors from Cayman Islands were interested in the production of electricity controls and distribution equipment, holdings, and communications devices.
The EEC covers Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao provinces.