Govt boosts innovation in development of local products

BANGKOK, July 26 (TNA) - The Ministry of Science and Technology launched the “OTOP IGNITE ” project to adopt innovation in development of Thai local products to increase competitiveness in the world market. The ministry has worked with the King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, the National Innovation Agency and the private sector to improve local products for support of young entrepreneurs. Assoc Prof Soranit Siltharm, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology said that Thai local products are renowned in the global market but they are limited to innovation and production capacity to create premium products to compete in the world market. Under the project, experts will introduce innovative manufacturing processes, suitable for local products of each community. Consultant service will be offered to participants to help them design unique and useful products. They will be also advised on business management. The project is aimed to develop 77 products from all 77 provinces and these products will be models for other product in each province. Interested entrepreneurs can apply for the project until August 14 at the Ministry of Science and Technology or via the website www.otop-ignite.com. (TNA)