Deputy PM asks large-scaled operators to help improve SMEs

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak assured that there would not be an economic crisis in the country and he hoped large-scaled operators would help strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises. In the Money & Banking Awards 2017 event at a hotel in Bangkok, Mr Somkid said the Thai economic fundamentals were much stronger than they had been in past decades and export was continuously expanding. The export growth resulted from 73 listed companies which were major operators and formed 63% of all listed companies. The government would like all businesses to help improve about 100,000 SMEs as bath appreciation had negative impacts on SMEs that were weak in terms of technology and competitiveness. SMEs needed support from all parties and the government was promoting local tourism, improving SMEs and developing the Eastern Economic Corridor, Mr Somkid said. If all parties lend a helping hand and enable SMEs to reach foreign markets, the national economic structure will change and lead to a better future of the country, he said. In the Money & Banking Awards 2017 event, Government Savings Bank (GSB) president Chatchai Payuhanaveechai received an award as the financial person of the year 2016. Siam Commercial Bank is the bank of the year 2017. GSB is the best bank for small-scaled customers in 2017. Listed companies of the year 2017 are Advanced Info Service Plc and Forth Smart Service Plc. Maybank Kim Eng is the excellent securities firm of 2017. (END)