Somkid to meet trade reps to discuss exports

Deputy Commerce Minister Suvit Maesincee said the meeting would focus on addressing problems and draw on solutions and strategies for exports to achieve the target of 5-per-cent growth this year.
“The 5-per-cent growth target is quite a challenge, but it could be achieved if the country has clear-cut plans to drive exports. The government will closely join hands with private enterprises in driving up shipments,” he said.
Suvit said Somkid would discuss obstacles and solutions suitable to each export market with Thai trade representatives.
The priority item on the agenda at the upcoming meeting will be the global trade situation, in particular the slowdown of China’s economy, which has hit many countries. The meeting will also focus on international conflicts, and whether Thailand needs to adjust marketing plans to penetrate other potential markets.
This year, the focused markets will include Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam (CLMV), India, Russia, and countries in Africa.
The ministry will not only focus on product shipments, but also service businesses, as services |are the future of export growth. |Six key service businesses that will be focused on are: wellness and medical services, logistics, hospitality, entertainment and content, education, and professional services.
Meanwhile, as chief of the working committee for small and medium enterprises and start-up businesses under the State of People committee, Suvit said the government and private sector have discussed a plan to share equal initial investment capital for supporting businesses that are committed to social responsibility and enterprises that have devoted themselves to communities.
After that, private enterprises could step in to manage the fund, while the government can reduce its share in the future so that the board of the fund will have flexibility in managing the fund for supporting business growth in the long run, despite changes in government.