JCC suggests that ASEAN adopts common goods standards

BANGKOK, September 17 (TNA) -- Expressing confidence of Japanese businessmen on investment in Thailand, Akira Murakoshi, president of Bangkok-based Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC), has told Thai Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn that members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should adopt a common merchandise standards, according to a spokeswoman of the Ministry. Mr Murakoshi made the suggestion to Ms Apiradi during a meeting on Japanese trade and investment in Thailand on Wednesday, said the spokeswoman. He said the number of JCC in Thailand is on the increase, showing that Japanese businessmen still have confidence on business prospects in Thailand, especially after an implementation of ASEAN Economic Community, scheduled at this year-end, according to the spokeswoman. Thailand will have its role increased after the AEC is implemented and small–and medium-sized enterprises of Japan and Thailand should cooperate more with each other because it would help boost economy in the region, Mr Murakoshi suggested. He also proposed that ASEAN should have joint goods inspection because having only a single standard could raise competitiveness. Japan, said Mr Murakoshi, is willing to assist on increasing skills of Thai labourers in several industries in future. (TNA)