Late news :Bt1 billion to FTI to boost ranking
Deputy Industry Minister Piyabutr Cholvijarn has expressed concern over Thailand's productivity after it received a poor rating on the World Bank Competitiveness Index.
Piyabutr said the ministry would aim at boosting the country's productivity to five in the future. He said the ministry would cooperate with the Federation of Thai Industries to set up 50 projects focusing on improving productivity and intellectual property among small and medium-sized operators. It has proposed a budget of Bt1 billion for these projects.
Forex strength Thailand's foreign reserves as of March 16 reached US$69.2 billion (Bt2.4 trillion), compared to $69.1 billion a week earlier. The central bank said in a statement that its net forward position in the foreign exchange markets was $9.6 billion, compared with $8.8 billion on March 9.
Home support Plus Property, a subsidiary of high-end property developer Sansiri that focuses on condominiums and town house projects, is promoting 18 projects at the "Let's Plus" event under the "Your Choice of Living" concept at Siam Paragon. They include Condo One near the Lat Phrao subway station; Soho, Sukhumvit Soi 67; Plus Citypart at Srinakarin-Suan Luang; My Condo on Sathorn, Pinklao and Sukhumvit Soi 103; and Town+ at Suvarnabhumi, Rama IX and Lat Phrao Soi 101. The company expects sales from the event to reach Bt1.5 billion.
Thieves fined The Internal Trade Department fined 39 traders who cheated consumers out of Bt61,400 last month. Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, the director-general, said most wrongdoing involved price-tag misplacements, substandard fuel gauges and incorrect weight specification on packages.
Baht hits textiles Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet yesterday said the baht's appreciation had resulted in Thailand's lower share in the global textiles and garment market, from 2 per cent 10 years ago to 1.47 per cent at present. Meanwhile, China's share rose from 12 per cent to 23 per cent in the corresponding period. India also enjoyed a higher market share, from 1 per cent to 3 per cent. "Thai exporters can't simply sell cheap products, but they need value-added products. They should no longer expect benefits from cheap labour and the weak baht," he said.
|
