The latest survey by the Center for International Trade Studies of the
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) indicated that only 8 per
cent of Thai small- and medium-sized entreprises (SMEs) have adjusted and
prepared for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which takes effect in 2015.
Centre director Aat Pisanwanich
said the opinion poll on 'How Thai SMEs Adjust for the AEC' was conducted among
1,000 entrepreneurs nationwide in 19 agricultural and industrial businesses.
One in three, or 32 per cent of
the entrepreneurs have adjustments in process, while 60 per cent said they have
not started preparing for the new business climate that will come with the AEC.
All the surveyed entrepreneurs in
the leather trade said they have not adjusted in any way, while 88 per cent of
wood entrepreneurs, and 86 per cent of ceramics and rice trade SMEs indicated
likewise.
All are waiting for clear
government guidelines on how it will support small companies. They said they
want more information on the AEC, and wish the government to set up a fund for
SMEs in order to prepare for the ASEAN Economic Community.
Meanwhile, SME exporters want the
government to find market channels for them, and to organise seminars on AEC.
They also want the government to look after related production costs, improve
labour effectiveness, find sources of low interest or interest-free funds, as
well as reduce processes for export.
Mr Aat said Thai entrepreneurs'
awareness of AEC is quite low. As the community will take effect in two years,
Thai SMEs should have adjusted over halfway already.
He said Thai SMEs need marketing
strategies. Thai goods needs to be developed and standardised, while websites
for businesses should be offered in ASEAN languages.
The Center for International
Trade Studies director also advised Thai SMEs to find allies in the ASEAN
countries in order to expand their businesses and find more market channels in those
countries, which will be a challenging adjustment for Thai entrepreneurs to
compete in the AEC.
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Strategy, Investment and Management, focusing Healthcare and Life Science with expertise in ASEAN. Since we are currently changing the platform of www.yourvietnamexpert.com, you may contact us at: sbc.pte@gmail.com, provisionally. Many thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment