Community shops urged to go online

NONTHABURI, Sept 27 (TNA) -- The Commerce Ministry is encouraging community-based shops to sell products online and expecting 50-120 shops to do so within this year. Deputy Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said his ministry and partners were empowering community-based shops to be locally and internationally competitive through online business. According to him, the Commerce Ministry is transferring knowledge on business administration to shop owners. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency will install high-speed internet services in villages for community-based shops and Thailand Post Co will develop online trade platforms for them to ensure swift and nationwide trade and deliveries. Community-based groceries will also gather local residents’ orders for consumer products and information on the sales of local products. Online payment will be introduced. With the online trade, the economy of the grassroots would be strengthened, Mr Sontirat said. Owners of about 200 community-based shops were interested in the online trade campaign. The Business Development Department will select potential shop owners for the online business development project. Mr Sontirat hopes 50-120 community-based shops will do online business within this year, 2,000-3,000 more shops will follow suit next year, and 20,000-30,000 shops will join the trend in a few years. (TNA)