What is the govt doing to help SMEs compete in Asean?

It is not only large Thai enterprises that should invest in other Asean countries; SMEs have the potential to be strong abroad as well.

Asean members such as Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia have relatively high economic growth, stable politics and populations that still have many needs including food products, textiles and health services.

The government said it would focus on raising people’s awareness of the AEC. But with only two years and eight months before the AEC will arrive, I see the government doing little public relations work.

The government should be proactive and build understanding about the AEC for SMEs. It must cooperate with the private sector to continue to fast track in terms of setting up workshops nationwide, consult on finance and investment through SMEs clinics, and prepare an AEC information system that can share data so that SMEs will be able to adapt better.

The government must encourage SMEs to enable them to move ahead, adapt and compete.

Sutipunt Bongsununt 

Kanchanaburi