Targeted export growth backed by Thai private sector

BANGKOK, February 28 (TNA) - The Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC) supports the government's targeted export growth of 5 per cent this year. TNSC President Nopporn Thepsittha expressed the support on Tuesday, proposing that the government accelerate the implementation of its proactive trade strategy, particularly building up its trade alliances with main trading partners in order to bear good fruit faster than a negotiation on a free trade agreement (FTA). Nopporn also proposed that the Thai government appoint the country's trade representatives in major foreign markets, boost national image and Thailand's product brands internationally, promote e-commerce and support Thai entrepreneurs to invest abroad. The TNSC chief assessed that all the proposals should create more trade opportunities for Thailand, along with directly boosting the country's exports. Meanwhile, Thai exports expanded by 8.8 per cent year-on-year last month, totally worth about 17.10 billion US dollars, cushioned by rising global oil and gold prices, as well as increased overseas demand for goods during the Chinese New Year Festival 2017. The TNSC chief said, however, that the good sign last month needs to be continually monitored closely in the coming months. (TNA)