Ministry to promote logistics business

BANGKOK, May 7 (TNA) -- Realising that logistics business could generate a large revenue to Thailand, Pongpan Jiarawiriyapun, director general of Commerce Ministry’s Business Development Department, said her department would this year focus on promoting logistics business in border provinces. Ms Pongpan said Thai business people are well prepared in catering logistics service business and it is possible for Thailand to become logistics hub in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She said her department would this year provide an in-depth knowledge on logistics business to business people operating at provinces bordering neighbouring countries to cater ASEAN Community which has been implemented this year. For example, cross-border trade with Malaysia at Sadao and Padang Besar in Songkhla province is about 400 billion baht annually and there are opportunities to grow further, Ms Pongpan said. This is a “golden opportunity” for Thai business people to further develop their businesses with Malaysia which is considered as number one Thailand’s trade partner among ASEAN member countries, Ms Pongpan said. Two-way trade between the two countries in 2015 valued about 748.9 billion baht. Presently, a total of 21,491 firms in Thailand are involving in logistics service business with a combined investment of approximately 19.6 billion baht. (TNA)