FTI presses minister for recovery in 2015
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THE Federation of Thai Industries has called for the government to continue supporting the export sector next year by injecting more financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasising cross-border trade, and resuming talks with the Euro
After discussions with Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya, FTI vice chairman Vallop Vitanakorn said exporters saw little hope for export growth in the remaining months of this year.
“This year’s exports will be flat, or will grow by 1 per cent at the most. But next year will be brighter, with [export] growth of 4-5 per cent,” Vallop said.
He said one of the many projects the military-led government could support was increasing funding under the SME Proactive Project for next year.
The SME Proactive Project was launched last year with funding of Bt300 million, and an additional Bt100 million to support SMEs’ penetration of overseas markets. However, the fund has almost run out because many SMEs needed money to join overseas trade missions and exhibitions. The FTI called on the Commerce Ministry to inject another Bt300 million for next year.
Moreover, the federation called for more promotion of cross-border trade, and encouragement for producers to create their own brands and add value to raise awareness on Thai products.
Vallop said Thai products and services enjoyed high acceptance in neighbouring countries. The ministry should undertake more activities and projects to facilitate growth of cross-border trade.
The private sector also wants talks on an FTA between Thailand and the EU to be resumed. Since the EU economy has not yet recovered strongly and its tariff privileges for Thai imports are about to expire, exporters hope for a bilateral trade agreement to increase their competitiveness in that market.
Chatchai said his ministry would work more closely with other government agencies and the private sector and act as facilitator to promote trade growth and ensure fair benefits for all.
He said the ministry would meet with private enterprises and overseas Thai trade officials in Bangkok on October 20 to brainstorm plans to improve export growth next year.
Meanwhile, to help control the cost of living, Chatchai said the ministry would cooperate with private enterprises to ensure fair prices for consumers, while will not hurting producers if they had good reasons to charge more.
He said the ministry would carefully consider costs of production and other factors when deciding whether to allow increases after the current price freezes expire at the end of November.
