Enterprises urged to join trade associations

At a seminar yesterday on good business practice co-organised by German International Cooperation (GIZ), the Board of Trade of Thailand and the FTI, panellists urged enterprises to become members of trade associations so that the government will listen to their concerns.
GIZ representative David Oberhuber said enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized ones, should strengthen their cooperation so that they will have more power to make their needs known.

“SMEs have a small voice in society. If they bond together they will have more power and will be able to call for the government or other organisations to serve their demands,” he said.
The seminar emphasised increasing efficiency of trade associations, of which there are now more than 169 in the country.

To strengthen themselves, the seminar suggested trade association increase their leadership role, regularly calling meetings of their member to listen to their problems and demands.
Arnut Boosarawongse of the Thai Rice Exporters Association said his group had become a strong agency since it represented most rice exporters and called regular meetings every week.
The association has its own principles and mission to facilitate members. If companies had to take their demands before the government individually, they would have little power to raise their concerns. Cooperation under the trade association not only helps boost their bargaining power, but also helps strengthen business growth, Arnut said.