Two ministries to integrate work on SMEs
TO INCREASE efficiency in the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises and to reduce duplication, the Commerce and Industry ministries have agreed to integrate their work on SME promotion plans and funding.
After meeting with Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, Deputy Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said the two ministries as well as the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion would integrate their work and share a fund worth Bt20 billion under the Pracha Rath project.
The cooperation will primarily target SMEs in tourism businesses and creative industries, and those in the agriculture sector.
Sontirat said the government would work on plans to develop SMEs in tourism and farming, as many local businesses are in those sectors, while the economy also relies heavily largely on agriculture and tourism.
The SME development plans will aim at improving their competency and ensuring their competitiveness amid market liberalisation. For instance, the government’s agencies will help provide business knowledge and education on packaging and marketing.
The two ministries will meet again next week and form a committee to administer the fund and working plans.
