Developing e-commerce to strengthen Thai SMEs
The Thai government and Alibaba Group will cooperate in developing the e-commerce system for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators in Thailand.
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They have agreed to set up a working group to handle e-commerce business cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak discussed this issue with the founder and CEO of Alibaba Group, Mr. Jack Yun Ma, who paid a courtesy call on him at Government House on 11 October 2016.
Mr. Ma visited Bangkok to attend the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Connect Business Forum. He also presented the views on the private sector at the second ACD Summit.
In his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Ma shared his view that entrepreneurs must prepare to keep up with new technology and a new form of financial system in the next 30 years. SMEs must also adjust themselves, so that they would be able to compete in the world market.
He also offered interesting proposals on cooperation with Thailand. For instance, Alibaba Group would help SMEs to have access to financial sources and create the Electronic World Trade Platform. It is also willing to share experience and expertise in order to promote Thai SMEs and startups.
Mr. Somkid said that more than 90% of Thai exports came from SMEs. The Thai government attached great importance to the e-commerce business in order to enhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs, especially SME operators.
He said that the Government’s policy of "Thailand 4.0” focuses on developing the country as a "value-based economy” through innovation and technology. Cooperation with Alibaba would contribute to this development.
The Government will assign Minister of Science and Technology Pichet Durongkaveroj to discuss cooperation projects with Alibaba Group.
Mr. Ma had also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha during the second ACD Summit.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lieutenant General Werachon Sukondhapatipak said that the Prime Minister believed that cooperation with Alibaba Group would expand markets for Thai SMEs through Alibaba’s e-commerce system.
It would also provide more marketing channels for products under the "One Tambon, One Product,” or "OTOP,” program.
In addition, the Prime Minister said, this cooperation would also help enhance the capacity of Thai agencies in the development of e-commerce infrastructure, an online payment system, and product standards.
Another offer is that Thai youths will be trained at Alibaba Group for two years to learn more about digital economy. The Thai government is ready to promote cooperation in human resource development.
