Government set up 1357 Credit Hotline

BANGKOK, Dec 11 (TNA) -- The government has announced that it will be setting up the 1357 National Credit Hotline to support the growth of SMEs (small and medium size enterprises) in the country. They also have plans to reform laws and introduce other support measures under a plan called 'Smart Enterprises' to fortify SMEs for future challenges in the global market. The Government Spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd stated that the government plans to strengthen and improve the potentiality of all Thai SMEs by setting up the 'Clear Cut' financial information which can be accessed through the 1357 Hotline. Operators can have their queries on government credit programs answered thereby providing them with vital finance details not least of which are those are pertaining to the state's SME Development Fund worth 20 billion baht and the 2 billion baht SME revival fund. Lt Gen Sansern said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has placed great priority in developing Thai SMEs as currently they account for 99% of all private enterprises. Furthermore, they account for more than 80% of employment in the local labour market. This is a clear indication of their significance to the national economy and underlines the fact that the country will come to depend more and more on them in the foreseeable future. (TNA)