A total of 36 organisations from the public, civic and business sectors yesterday signed a milestone partnership deal to drive the rural economy and strengthen local communities under the Pracha Rat (People's State) initiative.
The scheme seeks to enhance economic development and tackle social and political problems and is in line with the government's recently approved 136-billion-baht stimulus package.
Under the deal, business groups including CP All Plc, Big C, Central Department Store, Central Food Retail, The Mall Group, Siam Makro Plc, Tesco Lotus, Lawson, PTT Plc and TCC Logistics & Warehouse Co will sell more agricultural products in their outlets.
Mitr Phol Group, Thailand's top sugar producer, will team up with the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to support farmers in developing their businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak hailed the pact, saying it was the first time the public, civic and private sectors had agreed to join forces to help strengthen local communities and the agricultural sector.
"This will be a turning point in fostering sustainable development of Thailand's farm sector and increasing its GDP contribution," he said.
Mr Somkid said domestic development would be instrumental this year in driving the economy on top of exports and investment.
The government is committed to revving up projects such as central silos, small rice mills and machinery in remote areas, he said.
The GSB, the BAAC and the private sector have also agreed to give full support via financing and technology to help upgrade farmers to set up their own enterprises and increase the value of their products, while the Board of Investment and the Finance Ministry will offer privileges to private companies joining the initiatives to help farmers.
The Commerce Ministry will build central markets for agricultural and processed products, while modern trade outlets will play a greater role in distributing farmers' products.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand and related agencies will also help to develop tourism spots in tambons and districts while promoting them to Thai and foreign visitors.
Separately, Mr Somkid yesterday told the Industry Ministry to come up with clear measures on how to develop three new clusters in one month -- medical services, robotics and aviation.
He also suggested the ministry change its role from a regulator to a supporter of Thai industry.
Ministry agencies such as the Industrial Works Department should use its specialists not only to inspect factories but also to advise them on how to improve productivity, energy and waste management, and safety, Mr Somkid said.
He also gave an order to enhance SMEs' awareness of improving their productivity, quality standards and innovation. The ministry will set up a scheme called "Thailand Springs Up" to train 200 SMEs a month on developing their capacity.
The Thailand Productivity Institute, the Thai Textile Institute and the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand will be required to improve or merge.