Ministry sticks to export target
The Commerce Ministry yesterday maintained its target for this year's export growth at 7-7.5 per cent as it wants to aim high to encourage officials and exporters to boost shipments in the remaining months.
The announcement came after an official of the Internal Trade Department reported on Wednesday to the commercial commissioner that exports this year would grow by only 2.68 per cent.
Srirat Rastapana, director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said the ministry would maintain 7-7.5 per cent as the working target so that exports this year would grow continuously.
Commerce Minister Niwatthum-rong Boonsongpaisan will call a meeting with Thai trade representatives from overseas on September 23 to decide whether to lower the target. The meeting will also set the export target for next year.
"Shipments in the remaining months should increase more than in the first half of the year as many Western countries will increase imports during the festive season," Srirat said.
Positive factors to help enhance exports in the remaining months are the weakening baht and recovering economic growth in the European Union. Negative factors that are a cause of concern for exports include rising prices of fuel and raw materials.
Srirat said that after meeting with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday, the department had proposed plans to promote exports of high-potential goods to specific markets.
For farm goods, the department will focus on domestic trading to compensate for sluggish demand overseas.
High-potential export goods are automobiles and parts, plastic and products, construction materials, furniture, home-decoration items, toys, medical equipment and canned foods.
Products facing a slowdown in exports this year include rubber, rice, frozen and processed seafood, frozen and processed chicken, and sugar.
