The Industry Ministry has asked for cooperation between governmental and non-governmental agencies to seek a new action plan to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), says Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana.
The move aims to link SMEs and local enterprises to well-promoted government-targeted industries to allow those SMEs to access the same benefits the government grants to targeted industries, he said.
"We want to see a clear action plan within the next few weeks as we expect to submit the project for cabinet approval by early November," said Mr Uttama.
The agencies that were asked to brainstorm on a new SME support plan were the Industry Ministry, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, the SME Bank, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Board of Trade and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), he said.
The government is promoting high-tech industries, targeting 10 of them: next-generation cars; smart electronics; affluent, medical and wellness tourism; agriculture and biotechnology; food; robotics for industry; logistics and aviation; biofuel and biochemical; digital; and medical services.
Mr Uttama said an action plan to promote SMEs within five of the targeted industries has strong potential. The five are next-generation cars, biotechnology, food, processed agriculture and smart electronics.
"I have asked for cooperation from those agencies to study the current situation thoroughly and figure out an action plan because we want to allow all SMEs to access government help, particularly the assistance we are providing to the targeted industries," he said.
This project is meant to enhance the strength of the local economy by allowing SMEs to develop themselves using higher technology and innovation.
Sanan Angubolkul, vice-chairman of both the TCC and the Board of Trade, said some 40,000 SMEs under the chamber's network could benefit from such a plan.
He said the TCC would work together with private firms to find a link that helps SMEs gain an advantage from the government's flagship promotion of the Eastern Economic Corridor so that the massive project benefit small businesses and not only big companies.
