The Bangkok ‘Fashion City’ project has been thrown into uncertainty following the decision by the Thai government to halve its funding for the scheme, to Bt1.5 billion ($35.8 million).

An additional Bt1 billion ($23.8 million) is required to complete the programme, which aims to make Bangkok a regional fashion centre by 2007 and create links and business opportunities for the country’s leather, textile and jewellery industries.

Yingkiat Liu, president of the Thai Leather Goods Association said the additional funding will now have to be raised by the private sector.

The government has also instructed the industries involved to work closely together within the scheme and set up training schools, brand names and product development programmes.

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