PERLIS KEEN TO EMULATE THAILAND'S SUCCESS IN DEVELOPING VILLAGE PRODUCTS

BANGKOK, March 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's northern state of Perlis, in a move
to develop its One District One Industry (SDSI) programme, is keen to emulate
Thailand's success in promoting village products that meet international
standards.

Perlis Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Industry, Science and
Technology, Syed Razlan Jamalullail said 18 entrepreneurs from Perlis' SDSI went
on a five-day study tour of the One Tambon One Product (OTOP)programme which
ended here Tuesday.

The entrepreneurs are involved in producing soap, sauce, chocolates, Arab
bread, virgin coconut oil, fertilisers, handicrafts and goat's milk.

"We wanted them to see for themselves how Thailand could succeed in this
venture especially in the presentation of their products.

"We have good quality products but we lose out on presentation and
packaging," he said.

Thailand has successfully developed its OTOP programme which included
agricultural products, food, cosmetics, textile, toys, gems and jewellery,
leather goods, decorative items, handicrafts and stationary at the tambon level,
an administrative unit equivalent to a village or town.

Syed Razlan said entrepreneurs witnessed the seriousness and dedication of
the Thais in developing their village products.

"Here they utilise every opportunity available to produce something,
including for the international market, before seeking government assistance.

"They can even attract tourists to visit their backyard industries," he
said, adding that this was a source of additional income for them.

Closer to home, Syed Razlan said Perlis must coordinate the role of
multi-government agencies in developing the SDSI programme as lack of
coordination has resulted in the programme's ineffectiveness and wastage of
funds.

Thailand developed the OTOP programme in 2002 with Japanese support and
Malaysia initiated the One Village One Product programme in 2006.
-- BERNAMA