Auto-parts makers hail export results

Tapma president Achana Limpaitoon said auto-part import values tallied up to $16.62 billion, with 8.15 per cent increase compared to 2016.
The total import-export value in 2017 has a surplus of $3.22 billion with the most export value coming from top five export partners, Achana said.
These were the United State, at $2.7 billion making 14 per cent of the total export with an increase of 20.62 per cent from 2016; followed by Japan, at $1.79 billion with 9.07 per cent of the total export and 9.79 per cent increase from 2016; Indonesia, at $1.69 billion making 8.54 per cent of the total with 22.80 per cent increase from 2016; Malaysia, at $1.34 billion making 6.80 per cent of the total with 2.81 per cent decrease from 2016; and China, at $1.17 billion making 5.91 per cent of the total export with 37.92 per cent increase from 2016.”
“In the previous year, the association has undergone several projects which has continuously benefited the manufacture industry and the country, with intensive operation procedures to support the many changes affecting the industry. including changes in technology and the global economy,” Achana said.
“We aim to support the auto parts manufacture industry and push for sustainable growth, strength and the ability to compete in international stage with Tapma’s new strategies for 2018-2020.
Achana said these strategies could be categorised into six major aspects: 1) Strengthen the organisation, creating people with focus on ethical values, developing operation systems, emphasising solid management with cooperation, supporting the new generations in management of finance within the association for self-dependency;
2) Focus on technology, innovation and standardisation;
3) Human empowerment developing the potential and ability of the labour force in the industry with appropriate skills, well-being and discipline;
4) Strengthen the business internationally, focusing and developing the connection of international networks;
5) Management of SMEs, supporting and developing strong SMEs with proper management; and
6) Support and promote exports, creating increased opportunities, channels and cooperation between auto-parts manufacturers.
“Currently, from our cooperation with the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour in 2016–17, we have developed 5,949 professional staff and aim for 4,000 more each year going forward,” added Achana.