Commerce to allow private sector in strategic planning to boost economy



BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry has agreed to allow the private sector to take part in drawing short and long-term strategic plans, focusing on four areas — international trade, border trade, internal trade and distribution of domestic goods.

The agreement was reached on Monday at the meeting between Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya and representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand.

Gen Chatchai said joint working committees of the public and private sectors in each area will lay down 2015’s targets for trade, particularly how to stimulate exports next year.

Exports have been forecast to see flat growth or a possible contraction this year by many agencies, he said.

However he remains adamant that exports will grow this year.

He did not provide an estimated export figure for this year.

The focus should be revived up in potential markets, particularly the Middle East, India and China, with promising products including food, vehicles and auto parts, Gen Chatchai said.

Nonetheless, the ministry is upbeat that exports will grow by 4-5% next year, he said.

Gen Chatchai last week held a meeting with 66 foreign trade counsellors to discuss ways to promote and stimulate shipments in specific markets.

Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) Isara Vongkusolkit said strategic plans would focus mainly on how to stimulate the country’s shipments in the year to come.

He said Thailand needs to explore more export opportunities in the new and emerging markets such as Asean, India and China, and extend more trade partnerships.

The Commerce Ministry and the TCC would hold another meeting next month to discuss the establishment of working committees for these proposed areas, adding that the working committee on distributing domestic goods will include not only ministry officials but also representatives from wholesale and retail enterprises.

(Photo : ThaiPBS file)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/commerce-allow-private-sector-strategic-planning-boost-economy/


-- Thai PBS 2014-10-28

Possibly a good step in the right direction , if the un worldly Thai's take on board the advice and suggested planning steps from outsiders, then all we need is the immigration department to invite Expats in for strategic electrifying submissions and I will start believing in the Tooth fairy.

Outstanding thinking this one.

The government will allow the private sector to participate in helping to plan what they do. Wow. Brilliant. Amazing. Forward thinking.

This is just mind blowingly obvious, it worries me they didn't before.

It would appear that the CM hasn't got much of a clue how to get the economy moving forward....so let's bring in privates.......a good move.

It must have taken some serious risks of face loss to do this.........

"Gen Chatchai said joint working committees of the public and private sectors in each area will lay down 2015’s targets for trade, particularly how to stimulate exports next year."

A very thoughtful idea but it's already November 2014. The best plans that can be implemented won't likely show any effect until mid-2015 at best and maybe not even that soon. General Prayut has already made his economic moves for 2015 and that's why the revenues from the sale of oil & gas concessions this year are vital to sustaining an economic stimulus in 2015. Lower revenues from falling exports and tourism, higher government debt, and lower tax collections are otherwise going to stall economic growth. Although he has targeted 2015 for the beginning of significant infrastructure development, not enough of it will actually occur in 2015. Meanwhile, one natural disaster or international event could shatter Thailand's fragile economic recovery in spite of well-intentioned plans.

If Thailand becomes a failed state in 2015, where does the baht stop? Who will leave Government?

And the first demand by the corporate lobby will be a freeze on the minimum wage and the abolition of special overtime rates, followed by the easing of health and safety regulations in the workplace and restrictions on human slavery.

I'm kidding, of course. The bosses know that happy, contented workers are the best workers and will do everything in their power to bring - you guessed it - happiness to the workplace. Business as usual, in fact.

As Rick mentions above 'hope it doesn't rain' as it could wipe out the budget for 2015. One natural disaster?

It sounds as running a military is nothing like running a country?

Do you think they are pushing it uphill?

Dang...have you seen my plot?

Where's my plot?

Oh bugger, I think I've lost the plot.