Chiang Mai promoted as business hub

BANGKOK, July 9 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Commerce, is promoting the country's renowned resort Chiang Mai Province to also become a business hub. Kulanee Isadisai, Director-General of the ministry's Department of Business Development, told journalists of the policy on July 8, noting that Chiang Mai has potential to become an economic and business center in the Thai North, in terms of trade, investment, transport, logistics and tourism, thanks to its readiness in basic infrastructure systems. According to the senior official, there are now 19,544 corporate entities in Chiang Mai with their total registered capital of almost 141 trillion baht. The senior official suggested that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Chiang Mai be particularly promoted and developed constructively to enhance their competitiveness in the digital era currently. The senior official said that her department, in cooperation with the local private sector, as well as educational and financial institutes, will, thus, organize the "Smart Startup 2018” event at the CentralPlaza Chiang Mai Airport during July 13-15, in which participating businesses, especially startups, can learn on adopting advanced technologies, innovations and creativity to drive their businesses forward and to reduce their costs and boost their efficiency in order to become "smart enterprises". Besides, the upcoming three-day event will support the creation of business networks among local SMEs and startups in the Thai North for the sake of their expanding business opportunities and markets. (TNA)