The governor of Mie prefecture in Japan will meet with the Thai government next month in a bid to establish a Thai-Japan innovative mobilisation centre, a 2019 Industry Ministry goal.
Yesterday the ministry announced its plan for fiscal 2019 and most projects remain focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they are a priority group for the government.
Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said this centre would be similar to a Lean Automation System Integrator, creating an industry transformation centre (ITC) in Bangkok.
The Thai and Japanese governments signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2017 for collaboration on many projects.
Mr Uttama said after an ITC is established in Bangkok, the ministry will continue its work to add such centres to major provinces in the near future.
"A milestone will be achieved with the expansion of the ITCs, which are expected to open in 13 locations by Oct 1," he said.
The centres are envisioned as a showcase for innovation and manufacturing improvements for Thai SMEs that use automation systems and are looking to improve their manufacturing efficiency.
"The ITC will provide support services for Thai SMEs, able to accommodate up to 15,760 companies. The expectation is 350 companies will join immediately. The ministry expects to create additional business value of 5 billion baht and reduce operating costs by 1.5 billion," said Mr Uttama.
He said the 22-billion-baht Creative Industry Village scheme will be implemented in 160 villages by 2019. The project is part of the Pracha Rat initiative to increase household income for villages and SMEs, connecting with the tourism sector to foster community enterprises.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand said it injected financial support to SMEs totalling 116 billion baht for 42,832 companies through various projects.