Commercial attachés told to be honorary sales representatives

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit has instructed commercial attachés in Thai embassies overseas to help Thai exporters penetrate new markets, through their knowledge and experience of the countries they are stationed in respectively.
During a meeting with staff of the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives at BITEC Bangna today, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin said he wanted commercial attachés based in foreign embassies to work with the Thai private sector in promoting local products to markets of their respective countries.
“Embassy officials must now act as honorary sales representatives, introducing Thai products to foreign markets,” he said. “In the past, they collected commercial data and file reports, but from now on they have to be more proactive, taking part in trade negotiations alongside private exporters and help them deliver Thai products to a wider group of audiences”.
“With the help of embassy officials, the ministry expects growth in exports, especially in the government to government (G2G) and government to citizens (G2C) sectors,” said Jurin.
The Commerce Minister further explained that in order to perform efficiently in their new role, commercial attachés must be well-versed in Thai products and services, as well as possess in-depth knowledge of the local markets and consumers’ preferences in the countries they are stationed in. “Commercial attachés must share their knowledge and experience with Thai exporters, and inform them of the products and services that are in high demand, as well as helping with marketing campaigns,” he said.