Commerce’s export expansion plan

BANGKOK, Feb 7 (TNA) -- The Commerce Ministry will present its export expansion plan to Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak on Feb 19 while admitting that all industries are concerned about currency fluctuations. Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, said her department was working out the plan to promote Thai exports this year and would present it in the meeting of Mr Somkid and Thai commercial attaché from 58 countries on Feb 19. She said the department will try to better reach the markets of all Thai products to maintain export growth rate, set at more than 5% this year. However, there is concern among most exporters on the fast bath appreciation. The department will try to find out new measures to cushion the currency impact. They will include the sourcing of cheaper raw materials and training on currency solutions. Among export promotion measures, the department is paving the way for small and medium-sized enterprises to export their products via online channels and business-matching activities. The department will organise business-matching events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen provinces in March. It will invite representatives of e-market places to the events. They include representatives of Tmall.com (China), eBay (America and Europe), Gosoko.com (Africa),11Street (Malaysia), Amazon.com (America), Flipkart/Paytm (India), Souq.com (Middle East), Q0010.sg (Singapore), and blibli.com (Indonesia). Ms Chantira said online markets in other countries were demanding foods, beverages, fashion products, ornaments, home decorations and premium local products.(TNA)