Bangkok: The Minister of Commerce has outlined a strategic plan to address pressing economic issues, focusing on 10 urgent missions aimed at alleviating the cost of living, reviving the economy, and creating new opportunities for citizens. Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce, in collaboration with Deputy Ministers Mr. Suchart Chomklin and Mr. Chantavit Tantasith, conveyed these pivotal policies to ministry executives, civil servants, commercial ambassadors worldwide, and provincial commerce officials via a video conference. The emphasis was placed on implementing these missions to drive the economy, restore confidence, and address economic challenges effectively.
According to Thai News Agency, the 10 urgent missions of the Ministry of Commerce include elevating trade negotiations with the United States, driving exports by expanding into new markets, and accelerating negotiations on the Thailand-EU and Thailand-South Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Other priorities involve integrating SMEs into the digital age, ensuring stability in agricultural product prices, managing consumer product prices, and suppressing illegal nominee businesses. Additionally, the ministry aims to promote commercial intellectual property, modernize government service systems, and overhaul commercial laws for greater transparency.
Mr. Chatuporn stressed the importance of the ‘One Commerce’ concept, highlighting the need for honesty, transparency, and a people-centric approach. He tasked provincial commerce departments and trade ambassadors with the urgent missions of finding new markets, reducing farmers’ costs, and promoting local products, especially through the ‘Green Flag Products’ project, which Deputy Minister Suchart will implement immediately.
Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Chairman of the Advisory Board, proposed an operational model and assigned strategic tasks to each unit for tangible progress. Regarding exports, Mr. Chatuporn noted Thailand’s high-quality local products, particularly fruits that can be developed into Geographical Indication (GI) products to enhance value and create global market opportunities.
He also addressed the Thai-Cambodian border situation, stating that the ministry has coordinated with border agencies in preparation for the Blue Flag activity, aimed at reducing living costs, promoting OTOP products, and systematically addressing economic damage.
Mr. Chatuporn concluded by stating, ‘Every mission of the Ministry of Commerce must cover upstream, midstream, and downstream, with the people’s benefits as the main focus, aiming to create a sustainable economy for the country.’