THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

FTI chief focuses on SMEs, unity

FTI chief focuses on SMEs, unity

The new chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries has vowed to help small and medium-sized enterprises and restore unity within the organisation.

Supant Mongkolsuthree, chief executive officer of Synnex, said that as the new FTI chairman, his main effort would be concentrated on providing support for SMEs, reforming the organisation’s electoral process, and boosting the strength of the federation.
“I will bring back unity within the organisation and improve public acceptance of the organisation, while strengthening and encouraging the development of industries and business operators,” he said. 
Supant stressed that increasing connectivity and unity was important for the development of the FTI, and one of his policies would be to encourage communication between the presidents of all large industry clubs and the presidents of provincial industries through joint workshops and other activities.
While acknowledging that the alleged irregularities in the FTI-chairman selection process had created a rift, he maintained that the majority of its members had already put that behind them and it was up to the court to decide on the matter.
However, he said he believed the electoral process had been transparent and in accordance with the FTI’s 30 years of practice.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the FTI members do not have a problem with it,” he added.
The Administrative Court has called upon the two parties in the conflict – Supant and Visit Limprana – to send legal teams to the court on Friday. To reduce the chance of another conflict, the new chairman said he would set up a team to reform the selection process and enhance transparency.
Supant plans to support SMEs by providing training and the know-how to help them sustain their businesses, while encouraging cross-border trade in provincial areas.
Another goal is to make the Kingdom the regional industrial hub of the upcoming Asean Economic Community by strengthening and lifting management ability through information technology. He also plans to develop a regional database, which will allow firms access information on industries in other markets. 
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