Berli Jucker Plc (BJC), an SET-listed retail and trading company, expects better performance next year as consumer confidence improves, says president Aswin Techajareonvikul.
Aswin: Consumer confident is returning
"The growth of BJC will reflect the growth of the country," he said. "We have to wait and see how much gross domestic product will grow, but the trend is that consumer confident is returning, so that is a positive factor."
Profit may fall slightly for full-year 2014, but BJC remains hopeful that sales will grow by about 10% once December figures are tallied.
"More than half of BJC's sales still come from Thailand, but if we are able to increase outside factors, such as exports and overseas markets like Vietnam, this will contribute to growth," Mr Aswin said.
During a round-table talk, Mr Aswin predicted that the Asean Economic Community would benefit each sector differently in each country.
He expects Thai consumers to enjoy the benefit of policies that keep prices in check.
In Vietnam, meanwhile, traditional trade may struggle to compete with modern trade.
"In Myanmar, because most quality products are imported, importers along the border will enjoy the most benefits," Mr Aswin said. "But it will not be long before Myanmar's domestic industry develops."
In lightly populated Laos, trading companies and importers should gain.
"BJC owns the largest supermarket chain in Laos with only 20 stores, so the measure of success in Thailand is not comparable to Laos," Mr Aswin said.
The new year will bring continued disruptions in aspects like geopolitics and connectivity. How Thailand will cope is difficult to predict.
Mr Aswin noted China's plans for ambitious railways extending into Europe and Southeast Asia. The US will also seek to maintain its influence in the region.
He said Thailand's main focus should be labour and human resource development.
"While consumer sentiment is set to improve next year, the cost of living is going up," Mr Aswin said.
"The long-term solution is investment in developing human resource skills to stay competitive, because if productivity continues to improve then it will help lessen the impact of living costs."
Shares of BJC closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 39.50 baht, up 25 satang, in trade worth 16 million baht.