Government upgrades standard of Thai products

BANGKOK, June 10 (TNA) - The government proceeds with a policy on upgrading the standard of Thai products to enhance the country's competitiveness on the world market, with an urgent move set for 10 product groups. Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who oversees economic affairs, announced the stance on Wednesday morning while delivering a speech on national standard and the enhancement of national competitiveness at the opening session of a seminar, held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) on the occasion of the World Accreditation Day and the World Metrology Day. MR Pridiyathorn pointed out that business competition now focuses more on quality than prices, while Thailand has already developed the quality and standard of national products to meet demands of high-end global markets. However, MR Pridiyathorn acknowledged, a minority of substandard Thai products have negatively affected the image of overall Thai products and the government's move on upgrading the standard and quality of Thai products must, thus, cover all local manufactures. The deputy prime minister noted that Thailand's 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan, set from 2012-2016, requires the development of Thai products and services in order to both enhance competitiveness and protect local consumers, communities, the environment and workers. According to the deputy premier, the 10 Thai product groups that need urgent standard improvement are electrical and electronic products, automobiles and parts, construction materials, cosmetics, medical instruments, processed food products, traditional medicines, dietary supplements and wood products. (TNA)