BANGKOK, 14th June 2018 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce has reported on the results of its policies in the first half of the year, which focused on improving local livelihoods, stimulating the grassroots economy, and supporting investment.
Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong said today that the aim of his ministry is to enable farmers, consumers, and businesses to boost income, cut costs, and improve quality of life.
Policies focus mainly on three initiatives. The first is to strengthen grassroots economies by ensuring a rise in agricultural prices. As a result, jasmine rice is now priced at 18,700 baht per metric ton, corn feed at 9.5 – 9.7 baht per kilogram, and cassava with 25% starch at 3.15 baht per kilogram, up from 1.7 baht per kilogram last year. Policies to reduce the cost of living include the Pracharat Blue Flag Store program and Pracharat Blue Flag promotions offering household necessities at below-market prices. The ministry has also implemented occupational development programs and provided local businesses with new channels for distribution.
The second initiative is developing “next generation economies” by connecting local communities with the global economy, especially through e-commerce channels.
The third initiative is promoting international trade and foreign investments to link the country with the global economy, especially important markets such as ASEAN, the CLMV, China, the United States, Europe and new markets.
Source: National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) National News Bureau & Public Relations : http://thainews.prd.go.th
Reporter : Benjamin Rujopakarn / Rewriter : Rodney McNeil
