Business trends with right prospect next year

BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) -- TMB Bank sees positive trends for some businesses next year including those related to government investment, tourism, the ageing society and digital economy. The economic analysis unit of TMB Bank stated that the trend of huge government investment started a few years ago and the government was disbursing 770 billion baht for mega infrastructure projects in fiscal 2018. This will benefit the businesses of construction, construction supervision, machine sales and leases, and the construction of factories, offices and residences. For tourism, TMB Bank predicted the number of foreign tourists will reach 37 million next year, rising by 5.7%. This will support accommodation, restaurant and transport businesses. The ageing society is playing more important roles in Thai businesses as the number of the elderly is expected to exceed 10.5 million next year, forming 16% of the Thai population. People will spend more on medical treatment, health promotion, sports and exercises. This will be beneficial to eldercare, pharmacy, food supplement and sport gear businesses. World economic recovery clearly happens, especially in Europe, the United States and Asian emerging markets. This will cause Thai exports to increase by 4.8% next year and the growth will benefit the export of processed foods, vegetables and fruits as well as the manufacturing of automotive parts. Besides, TMB Bank said digital economy was increasing online retail, wholesale, purchases and payments. This will support online trade in consumer products as well as product delivery and information technology businesses. (TNA)