BANGKOK, 23 August 2013 The Department of Internal Trade is set to improve the wholesale and retail industries of Thailand in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is to be realized in 2015.
Director General of the Department of Internal Trade Wiboonrak Ruamrak said in order for retailers and wholesalers to be able to compete in the AEC, the whole market system has to be standardized. For example, all items on the shelves must be properly labelled, so that buyers will be able to compare prices and get the best possible deal .
Furthermore, chemical tests will have to be promoted in order for all sides to be more aware of food safety. Training courses will be provided to Thai farmers to educate them on chemical-free products, adding that the move will help uplift the country’s agricultural industry and the competitive edge of Thai farmers ahead of the AEC.
Lastly, the director said cooperation from both retailers and wholesalers can effectively lead to cost reduction, especially in the transport sector, which will be the strength of Thailand’s wholesale and retail industries enabling them to compete with their counterparts in the ASEAN market.
