SMEs advised to outsource logistics
The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has urged the country's small- and medium-sized enterprises to outsource their logistics management in response to impending free-trade pacts.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Logistics Strategy: To take advantage of the FTA", Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, deputy secretary-general of the NESDB, said that the effectiveness of FTAs would spur better free movement of the world's goods and services, capital and information.He said the FTAs with China, India, Australia, New Zealand and Peru held great potential for Thai businesses, but they needed to make sure their logistics needs are handled properly. "In the near future, local enterprises in particular small and medium-sized companies will have to face intense competition. If they don't adjust, they will not receive any benefits from FTAs," said Arkhom. He added that SMEs, especially those in the manufacturing sector, should either seek out partners with expertise in logistics management or try to outsource their logistics work to the others. Doing this, he said, would help the firms reduce their logistics costs and allow them to better compete with rivals. "The efficiency in logistics management will help SMEs save on logistics expenses amid oil prices hike," said Arkhom. Sayan Chanvipaswongse, chief executive and chairman of Excellent Business Corporation International Ltd, which provides logistics and supply-chain consulting, said free-trade agreements would help the world economy expand and result in quality products at lower prices. Watcharapong Thongrung, The Nation
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