SMEs urged to adapt to compete

SMEs urged to adapt to compete

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak views an exhibition board showing winners of the 8th SME National Awards. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak views an exhibition board showing winners of the 8th SME National Awards. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The government is urging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to the changing business environment through innovation and technology, says Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

Several government measures to help SMEs in terms of funding, marketing and consulting have aimed to raise their competitiveness, Mr Somkid said at the 8th SME National Awards.

"Innovation and advanced technology will help SMEs improve their products and operations to cope with fierce competition," he said.

"In the future, SMEs should be able to go abroad. They need to improve their efficiency and product quality to be successful in the global market. Thai operators need to create products, similar to tech startups.

"SMEs should first focus on Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam because these countries have high potential, a large population and have high demand for Thai products."

Industry Minister Atchaka Sibunruang said the ministry has 11 consulting centres to help SMEs deal with problems.

Salinee Wangtal, director of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, said the SMEs National Awards selected 36 winners in different categories from a total of 1,028 businesses.

"Previous winners have listed on the Market for Alternative Investment such as Wice Logistics Plc, Masterkool International Plc and QTC Energy Plc," she said. "Some 26 winners this year are planning to list on the MAI."

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (1)