Competitiveness of Thai export sector slightly increases

BANGKOK, September 30 (TNA) - The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) reports that competitiveness of Thailand's export sector has slightly increased, based on latest international ranking. TNSC chief Nopporn Thepsittha told journalists on Monday that the International Management Institute has ranked competitiveness of Thailand's export sector at the world's 27th place in 2013, from the 30th place in 2012, while the World Economic Forum (WEF) has ranked the Thai export sector's competitiveness at the world's 38th position in 2013, from the 39th in 2012. Nopporn acknowledged that the TNSC has, however, downward revised Thailand's export growth projection this year to 2.5 per cent year-on-year, from 3 per cent forecast in May, based on the main condition that Thai exports in the last four month of this year would reach at least 20.5 billion US dollars. Nopporn said Thai exports are to reach 20.8 billion US dollars in order to boost the country's export growth to 3 per cent year-on-year this year. According to the TNSC chief, the Thai economy is likely to expand by 3-3.5 per cent year-on-year on average this year due to the foreseen lower export growth caused by impacts from uncertainties of the global economy and financial markets, as well as political risk factors in the Middle East, natural disasters and even domestic political issues. The TNSC chief suggested that the Thai government focus on raising competitiveness of Thai exports of major farm and processed farm produce, namely rice, natural rubber and tabioca, to help boost overall competitiveness of the country’s export sector.(TNA)