Baku:The Permanent Secretary of the Commerce Ministry has unveiled a comprehensive policy directive aimed at advancing work in three key areas "People, Work, and Organization." This initiative focuses on managing the cost of living, enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities, fast-tracking Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, and expanding export markets. Additionally, the ministry is committed to intensifying efforts to combat nominee businesses by leveraging shareholder information to bolster law enforcement.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, emphasized the importance of enhancing personnel efficiency and driving economic and trade missions to meet public needs. The ministry aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and employ data-driven decision-making to achieve tangible outcomes.
The ministry's strategy to manage public living costs includes regulating commodity prices, ensuring fair trade practices, and optimizing distribution channels to alleviate financial burdens on citizens. Moreover, during and after flood events, the ministry will focus on distributing essential supplies to flood victims and supporting the recovery of livelihoods for affected individuals and businesses.
For the agricultural sector, collaboration with relevant agencies will ensure effective monitoring of production volumes, market demands, and distribution planning. Efforts will be made to enforce fair trade practices in agriculture, safeguarding farmers from exploitation and protecting consumer interests.
Supporting SME entrepreneurs involves linking ministry efforts with the trade and industrial sectors to enhance business opportunities and adapt to evolving consumer behaviors amid challenges like fluctuating purchasing power and changes in tourism.
The International Trade Division is tasked with expediting FTA negotiations to open foreign markets to Thai products. Measures are being developed to support businesses potentially impacted by trade liberalization, with a focus on maintaining key export markets such as the United States and China. The ministry is also exploring emerging markets in Africa and Venezuela to mitigate dependency on major markets and counter global economic volatility. A review of market management and export quotas will ensure they remain appropriate.
A critical policy aspect is preventing and suppressing illegal businesses, particularly those using Thai nationals as nominees to disguise foreign business operations and the import of illicit goods. The ministry will continue to enhance cooperation with the Department of Business Development, the Department of International Trade, the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation, and other relevant bodies to improve inspection and law enforcement efficiency.
Mr. Poonpong noted that the Department of Business Development maintains a database capable of verifying shareholder connections, including nationality changes and share acquisitions, which can be analyzed to identify potential nominee cases for law enforcement action. He assured continued efforts to prevent illegal business practices and sustain fair competition.