Smart SME Expo kicks off with business matching, bank loans
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Smart SMEs Expo 2019, Utama Savanayon, former Minister of Industry, said he was confident that the government would continue to support SMEs and allow them to catch up with borderless trading..
The private sector meanwhile indicated it would also support SMEs by helping them earn more than Bt500 million from the show while arranging business matching between local and international businesses. Banks taking part in the expo are offering special loan campaigns at low interest rates.
Utama stressed the importance of SMEs transforming their business to support the new digital era and to shore up their strength and ensure sustainability.
Smart SMEs Expo 2019, which has as its concept “One stop to find the way to be rich”, also brings together businesses and organizations with the ability to drive and support SMEs on the road to competing on the global market.
Utama noted that the former government and private sector had always supported SMS through the creation of infrastructure and new opportunities including the digital marketplace and a cashless society.
“I think that in this digital economy era, SMEs who do not adapt will find it difficult to survive. The former government partnered with the private sector to drive and support micro SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs so that they would be able to adapt and be more competitive. They must be open to new opportunities and join with partners to strengthen their businesses and create future development,” said Utama.
“The country will soon have a new government that will drive the economy forwards and create stability. I believe this new government will play as important a role in promoting and developing SMEs as its predecessor. However, we must wait for the official announcement of the government direction.”
Pisit Prakitworapong, managing director at PMG Corporation, noted that the expo will also allow SMEs to meet new customers and discover new ideas and new innovations to support their future business. It is expected that the expo will generate at least Bt1.2 billion in trade and that visitors will spend more on Bt500 million on products.
Also taking part in the expo are 10 banks and financial institutions such as Government Savings Bank, Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperative, all of which are offering special loan campaigns with low interest rates for SMEs. Demand for such loans is expected to exceed Bt2 billion.
The expo features five special highlights: business franchise, health and beauty, food and beverage and service innovations such as cosmetic manufacturing, CP Retailink as well as Natural Products and Spa.
Moreover, the Department of Business Development is also cooperating with business partners in offering 40 franchise brands and special loans and conduct business matching activities.
The expo continues through Sunday (July 7) at Halls 7-8, Impact Muang Thong Thani.
