Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged exporters to upgrade their products using high-value digital technology and innovation to generate more revenue for the country, in a bid to help the economy recover after the Covid-19 crisis.
Speaking to exporters during the Prime Minister's Export Awards 2021 ceremony at Government House, Gen Prayut said upgrades in digital technology, innovation and R&D could enhance the country's export competitiveness in the global market.
He suggested winners further develop the quality of their products to help drive the Thai economy, inspiring other exporters to follow suit.
The PM Export Awards are part of the stimulus strategy and are presented by the government to recognise the outstanding performance of exporters.
The awards started in 1992.
Winners and shortlisted candidates receive a plaque and a certificate from the premier.
Winners also receive special privileges from domestic and international departments, including the opportunity to participate in trade negotiations, share booths at trade shows abroad and receive specialist training on how to sell online with Thaitrade.com.
The list of winners is published in local and international media and distributed to buyers around the world through 58 commercial diplomatic offices and networks.
The award can be used for promotional purposes.
The award is divided into seven categories: best exporters; best innovation; best Thai brand; best design; best service enterprises; best One Tambon, One Product (Otop) item; and best halal.
This year, 42 awards were presented to 34 companies from 15 provinces.
The winning 34 companies generated a combined 19.9 billion baht worth of export revenue in 2020.
Commerce Minister Jurin Laksana wisit said the PM Export Awards shows the government's intention to promote entrepreneurs to manufacture quality products and offer better services.
Mr Jurin said the export sector is expected to be the biggest contributor for the Thai economy this year.
Positive factors supporting better export growth include higher demand from key trade partners, especially the US, EU and China, amid a recovery in investment and production worldwide.
Depreciation of the baht should also help Thai export growth this year, he said.
In the first seven months of 2021, Thai exports gained 16.2% to US$155 billion, while imports rose by 28.7% to $152 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.62 billion. Real sector exports (excluding gold, oil-related products and weaponry) also continued to soar by 25.4% from July last year.