Commerce envoys in protest-stricken nations are helping entrepreneurs
Sarun Saelee



BANGKOK, 18 February 2011 (NNT) – Commerce envoys in countries where there are demonstrations against their leaders have been assigned to monitor the situation and prevent negative effects to Thai exporters and entrepreneurs.

Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai stated that she has assigned the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) to reiterate with commerce envoys and honorary trade advisories stationing in protest-stricken countries to report the situation and prevent impact on Thai exporters.

Many countries are now having protests against their leaders such as Italy, Yemen, Libya, and Iran while the situations in some countries have escalated to violence and riots. This has triggered concerns that Thai trade and exports might be negatively affected.

The Minister noted that Thailand should turn this crisis into an opportunity by expanding more export markets in proactive manner, especially consumer goods. She said the DEP must help export entrepreneurs cut cost, facilitate logistic, increase competitiveness and develop design.

Ms Pornthiva however believed that the Thai export value will not be affected much although the situation is volatile, since the DEP has been working on assistance for entrepreneurs affected from demonstrations in those countries already.

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