SMEs encouraged to penetrate South Kroean market

SEOUL, March 26 (TNA) -- The government is encouraging Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to penetrate South Korean market following the just ended official visit to that country by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. Besides a courtesy call on South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Mr Somkid also inspected business synergy negotiations between potential SME operators and South Korean businessmen, arranged jointly by the Thai Commerce Ministry and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion during the visit. It was found that several Thai SME products such as food, fashionable clothes, and information and technology products received interests from investors. Salinee Wangtal, director-general of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, said some 40 Thai SME operators also accompanied Mr Somkid to South Korea and they had gained considerable experience from the trip. The Thai government should promote SME operators on a regular basis to strengthen them and help them learn what products are in great demand in which markets. Meanwhile, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank has established a new central office for new SME players which would allow the young generations to display their talents on innovative products. Interested parties can co- invest or buy copyrights from the innovators for commercial production. (TNA)