Industry clusters set to generate B1.2bn

Industry clusters set to generate B1.2bn

The Department of Industry Promotion (DIP) expects to generate 1.2 billion baht in economic value for Thailand with its plan to help entrepreneurs modernise their businesses through industrial cluster development.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as community enterprises will be grouped into clusters to receive assistance, including advice from experts on product upgrades, packaging design and financial issues.

The number of clusters will increase to 34 in fiscal 2022, up from 29 with 680 businesses this year, according to DIP.

The new fiscal year starts on Oct 1.

"Among the 29 clusters are coffee, spa and herbs as well as fruit processing and rubber," said Nattapol Rangsitpol, director-general of DIP.

Officials also support target clusters in medical equipment, robotics and automation and digital products, with factories located in Bangkok, its neighbouring provinces and Chiang Mai.

The department expects industrial cluster development will contribute 1.2 billion baht to the economy in fiscal 2021.

DIP allocated 19 million baht for 29 clusters for fiscal 2021.

It plans to spend 17 million baht for 34 clusters in fiscal 2022.

Assistance is planned for SMEs and community enterprises through many channels and centres, including the Industry Transformation Centre (ITC). There are 12 branches of ITC in 77 provinces.

The centre advises on issues such as cost reduction, technology and value-added product development.

The Thailand Industrial Design Center aims to help the clusters get the hang of packaging design through computer software as well as 3D printing.

The SME Support and Rescue Center plans to assist smaller businesses in gaining better access to financial assistance for their development.

The Regional Integrated SME Promotion Mechanism, offering more than 250 experts, dispenses advice on a range of issues from marketing and logistics to business laws.

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