Methini Thepmani, director of the ICT Industry Promotion Bureau at the ICT Ministry, said the CoE aims to be centre which could serve as a test bed or proof-of-concept facility for new technologies.

The CoE will assist small businesses to reduce the cost of their investments when developing new innovations and services to meet international standards.

She said the ICT Ministry expected that in the first step, the CoE would focus on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and mobile application sectors since RFID and mobile products are emerging and will soon enter the world market.

The ministry also plans to work with universities and the private sector to set up other CoEs to support various business developments.

 "We want to facilitate local business and developers with IT skills so they will able to produce products and services to compete with international businesses and reduce costs of investment," said Methini.

She said the ministry is negotiating with venture capitalists to find sources of funds for local businesses and developers.

According to an Association of Thailand Computer Industry report, the Thai ICT market in 2006 will reach Bt589.6 billion and will grow to Bt734.48 billion in 2007.

She said the ICT Ministry will also corporate with the Commerce Ministry to support local businesses and developers to produce products and services to international standards to support local and foreign markets.

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation