Commerce Ministry launches 3rd season of its highly successful YEN-D program

BANGKOK, March 4 (TNA) -- The Commerce Ministry has implemented the third season of its Young Entrepreneur Network Development Program (YEN-D) after the first two rounds of implementation resulted in about 1.7 billion baht worth of trade between Thailand and neighboring countries. The third season of the YEN-D program was launched together with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by the Department of Foreign Trade, Thai Airways International (THAI) and AEC Trading Center, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said. THAI offers air fare discounts for entrepreneurs’ trips for program participation and business negotiations even after the end of the program. AEC Trading Center functions as a central market with discounts for products and services of entrepreneurs in Thailand and neighboring countries. In its past two seasons, the YEN-D program led to 1.7 billion baht worth of trade and attracted about 560 operators from neighboring countries. Apart from improved and new border checkpoints, the program would also boost border trade. The value of border trade was likely to soar from 1.47 trillion baht last year to 1.8 trillion baht this year, Ms Apiradee said. This year’s YEN-D program involves 120 Thai entrepreneurs who are aged up to 45 years and apply innovation to their businesses. It also covers 120 entrepreneurs from neighboring countries. They will spend six days together to develop their networks and undergo training. Activities during the period include relation-promoting activities, business plan presentation, business tips and training on international business administration. Training was set for four classes of participants comprising Thai-Cambodian, Thai-Lao, Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Vietnam classes. It was set to conclude by the end of May. (TNA)