Commerce Ministry to confer with shopping malls

BANGKOK, Nov 11 (TNA) -- The Commerce Ministry’s Internal Trade Department plans to discuss with operators of shopping malls, convenience stores and retailers next week on offering massive discount for goods for the upcoming New Year’s festival, said Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, permanent secretary for Commerce. The plan discussion comes after the cabinet gave the green light to offer a personal income tax deduction at the maximum of 15,000 baht to people shopping between November 11- December 3 in an attempt to boost spending before the year-end. The government launched the similar programme in December last year by offering a maximum of 20,000 baht personal income tax deduction to individual shoppers. Meanwhile, Boonyarit Kalayanamit, director-general of the Department, said his department had discussed with retail operators over the issue and conclusion is expected to be made next week. A maximum discount for goods is projected at 80 per cent, said Mr Boonyarit. Also, talks will be held with the Business Development Department which is overseeing businesses in upcountry to persuade business operators to participate in the goods discount plan so that spending stimulation could be seen nationwide, he added. (TNA)