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Published on October 23, 2007

Director-general Atchaka Sibunruang Brimble said domestic consumption should also increase in the fourth quarter.

A fourth-quarter growth rate of 6.4 per cent is expected, driven mainly by the electric and electronics sector.

The department also believes domestic vehicle sales will pick up in the fourth quarter, due to a motor expo in December.

"Thailand remains a manufacturing hub, and confidence will resume, because of scheduling an election date. Spending by political parties should be significant in boosting domestic consumption," Atchaka said.

E-origin system

to help exporters

The Foreign Trade Department has set up an e-origin system to assist Thai exporters with the issue of rule-of-origin certificates, to ensure market access to Japan after the implementation of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement on November 1.

Director-general Apiradi Tantraporn yesterday said the e-origin, or Rover, system would allow exporters to apply for quality guarantees via the Internet.

Two Areeya subsidiaries

Areeya Property yesterday announced it had established two subsidiaries: Areeya Management and One Up.

Areeya Management will handle condominium-management services, while One Up will perform construction-subcontractor services.

New oil rig for Thoresen firm

Thoresen Thai Agencies said Mermaid Kencana Rig 1 (MKR1), a newly incorporated subsidiary of its Mermaid Maritime (MMPCL) subsidiary, will enter into an agreement to build a new tender-assisted drilling rig with Kencana Petroleum's wholly owned Kencana HL (KNHL) subsidiary.

Last Friday, MKR1, an indirect newly incorporated subsidiary of MMPCL, of which Mermaid Drilling (Singapore) owns 75 per cent of the equity and Kencana Petroleum Ventures 25 per cent, issued a letter of award and will sign a contract

with KNHL in Malaysia

to design, construct, equip and deliver a new tender-assisted drilling rig.

A+ rating for Berli Jucker

Tris Rating has affirmed its rating of A+ for Berli Jucker and A+ to that company's proposed Bt1.5-billion senior debentures.The ratings outlook is "stable".

The ratings reflect the company's solid market positions in key operating segments with a portfolio of strong brand names, cost competitiveness due to economies of scale in glass-container and tissue-paper manufacturing and an experienced and capable management team.

They also take into consideration the company's diversified business portfolio and strong relationships with suppliers and clients.

 The Nation