InfoQuest, (July 17, 2019) -- Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, newly installed minister of the Ministry of Industry, will take office on July 19 and release hereupon relevant policies. He plans to discuss with the Ministry of Finance to integrate multiple measures, for example, measures dedicated to helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) secure financing, tax measures or additional government financing measures.
In addition, Mr. Suriya will visit the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) in early August to discuss the adjustment or supplement for the development direction of the target industry.
Regarding the task and policy when assuming office, Mr. Suriya said that he had studied important strategies of the Ministry of Industry, namely the development plan of target industries including automobile and food, and on the basis measures will be introduced to cover more fields: 1. Biotechnology and modern nursing technology. 2. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Ministry of Industry must play a role in helping them out when they are hindered in capital, technology and innovation of all kinds. 3. Environment issue. Measures should be taken to urge factories to protect the environment, for example, to push the plastics industry to prevent pollution in the processes of design, production and recycling.
As for the minimum wage, Mr. Suriya noted discussions on how to proceed it should wait until the tripartite negotiation ends. This is because that the increase of the minimum wage will weigh on consumers from the up-stream production link to the down-stream production link. Thus it needs to be decided after the tripartite negotiation.
As the prices of sugar cane and sucrose are showing a downward trend, it is necessary to consider introducing measures when taking the whole production system into account. However, if the support is excessive, it may lead to WTO disputes. And regarding the Akara Resources Public Company Limited, it requires careful consideration.
The ministry also hopes that the projects in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) can be promoted beyond the area. During the campaign, the Palang Pracharath Party visited different regions, finding that people expected more special economic zones so that they need not head to the eastern region to pursue development.
The bio-economy project has been carried out smoothly. Efforts will be stepped up to keep granting support and push for tangible results as soon as possible.
Mr. Suriya said the Ministry of Industry was planning to launch stimulus measures to shore up economy, that is, agricultural industry project. This move is under the guideline proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak who emphasized to support the agricultural sector through deep processing and added value.
Mr. Suriya said that all industrial sectors must jointly develop in accordance with Thailand's Industry 4.0 policy, focusing on promoting the digital interconnection of machinery equipment and manual labor in the production system through the Internet of Things (IoT), making use of modern technology in management process, and introducing automated systems to assist production. Large and medium-size enterprises, SMEs, as well as production, service and business sectors need to embark on self-adjustment to usher in the digital era.
For 2019 Thailand Industry Expo, Thailand focuses on value creation and takes advantage of innovation-driven technologies to enter the "Thailand 4.0" era. As a result, the government will attach importance to modern technologies, especially digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and IoT.
"Change is not a choice. It is something we cannot avoid. Promoting economic growth in the context of Industry 4.0 will be an important starting point for transformation towards the future. The mode should be turned to integrated cooperation from government leading to jointly create new opportunities and possibilities", Mr. Suriya said.
Source: InfoQuest, by Nisarat Wichiensri / Rachada / Wilawan, translated by Xinhua Silk Road
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