Thailand urged to boost border trade value

BANGKOK, November (TNA) - The private sector has called on Thailand to boost border trade value to total 2 trillion baht over the next three years, from 1.1 trillion baht currently. Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Vice Chairman Wallop Wittanakorn made the call on Tuesday, urging as well that all concerned parties jointly seek ways to expand Thai products into the capitals of neighbouring countries. Wallop suggested, however, that Thailand further develop national produce to meet international standards, in parallel with delivering them on time and eliminating trade barriers through, for instance, easing customs procedures and load-quota of cargo trucks, as well as improving transport networks. Piyabutr Cholvijarn, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand and a member of the Thai-European Union (EU) Business Council, acknowledged, meanwhile, that Thai business operators have comparative advantages over their competitors in several areas, thanks to their knowhow as Thailand has developed industries for half a century, recommending that they also secure access to necessary and updated information on countries in which they plan to expand investment or businesses. (TNA)