TRUST IN THE THAI BRAND BEHIND NEW PROMOTION PLAN BY COMMERCE MINISTRY DEPARTMENT

THAILAND'S COMMERCE Ministry is targeting Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) countries as part of its plan to promote Thai goods and services in 16 cities.

Malee Choklumlerd, director-general at the International Trade Promotion Department, said CLMV is becoming Thailand's key export markets.

"The selected 16 markets are highlighted under the export promotion plan, as they have strong power to emerge as the trading centre of each of these countries, besides being tourist attractions, and cross-border cities," Malee said.

She added that the focus on these new markets, besides the capital city of each country, should help expand export growth from Thailand to CLMV.

Among the 16 chosen cities are: Mandalay, Myawwady, Myiek, Haiphong, Can Tho, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Siem Riep, Savannakhet, Champasak, and Luang Prabang.

Under the plan to promote exports to these markets, the department will promote the Thai brand, as the CLMV markets have high trust in the quality of Thai goods and services. Thai enterprises will also be matched with CLMV enterprises so that they could be trading partners. The department will conduct a roadshow to lead Thai enterprises to the targeted cities. The department will also invite importers, merchants, wholesalers, and retailers, and department stores from CLMV countries for business matching with Thai manufacturers and to encourage them to organise in-store promotions of Thai goods.

The Commerce Ministry will also cooperate with the Foreign Ministry, the Board of Investment of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to organise Thai trade exhibitions such as "Top Thai Brand", "Thailand Week" or "Mini Thailand Week" in each city to promote Thai goods and services as well as to improve local consumer recognition of the Thai brand.

The event will also aim to draw more tourists and investment to Thailand.

To resolve the issue of trade barriers, the ministry will appoint a delegation to meet with high-level officials of each country to convince them into removing the hurdles.

As part of trade and economic cooperation activities among CLMV and Thailand, the ministry will organise the CLMVT Forum on "Towards Shared Prosperity" from June 16-18 in Bangkok. The event will be chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

High-level officials from CLMV countries will also join the event. At the forum, many activities will be organised, including seminars on trade, service, and investment under the topic "CLMVT Link in the Global Value Chain".

Source: www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Thai-exports-to-focus-on-16-cities-in-CLMV-30283688.html