Commerce Minister praises her choice of new permanent secretary.
Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn has praised the newly appointed permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry, saying she has great experience in both domestic and international trade affairs.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet appointed Nuntawan Sakutanaga to the role, effective on October 1.
She is currently director-general of the Internal Trade Department and a former chief of many departments, including intellectual property, international trade promotion and trade negotiations .
Apiradi said Nuntawan was competent as she had experience in both domestic and international trade affairs. Apiradi has previously been criticised for promoting only officials who have overseas trade experience, as she used to work at Department of Trade Negotiations.
However, having served many years at the Commerce Ministry, Nuntawan has only one year left in the civil service before her retirement.
Her challenges of the top job will include reviving Thailand’s exports strength, and conducting trade negotiations with the United States and other countries.
The top official at the Commerce Ministry often has to deal with difficult issues such as the volatility of farm product prices, and to address the concerns of consumers who often complain loudly about the rising cost of food and other necessities.
