GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP INTEGRATED LOGISTICS SYSTEM

BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) – Thailand's government is determined to develop a comprehensive logistics system in preparation for trade liberalisation, according to Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

Delivering a keynote speech on "Thailand's Logistics Policy and Trade Liberalisation," he said he was worried about the development of the country's basic infrastructure.

Thailand is ranked 48th among 55 countries for the basic infrastructure development since it has not yet been able to develop an integrated system of logistics.

Up to 86 per cent of the country's cargo transfers have relied on land transport, with only 2 per cent distributed by the rail system.

At present, Thailand's transport cost is as high as Bt1.2 trillion, and oil consumption for transport reaches Bt800 billion or 10 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

However, he said, the government is attempting to forge ahead withdevelopment of a large-scale transport system.

In particular, it had developed routes linking transport with Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.

So, he called on the private sector to accelerate adjusting in preparation for the development of the logistics system in the new routes.

Dr. Surapong said the government would speed up investment in overhauling the country's basic infrastructure.

It would count on the information and communication technology to develop a rail system that links land, seaborne and airborne transports, he said.