BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Minister of Commerce Suchart Chomklin inaugurated the ITD Expert Anywhere Version 2 platform, a virtual consulting tool designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. Developed by the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), the platform aims to address five key business challenges and enhance access to funding and markets. The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to empower Thai businesses for global competition under the theme “Grow Bigger, Go Further.”
Suchart emphasized that the platform aligns with Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s policy of “Reducing Expenses, Increasing Income, Expanding Opportunities,” which focuses on supporting SMEs to strengthen Thailand’s economy in the global market. ITD Expert Anywhere serves as a critical tool to drive economic progress by providing practical solutions to challenges faced by SMEs. Feedback collected through the platform will be analyzed and presented to the Ministry of Commerce for further policy development.
The platform connects SMEs with world-class experts across diverse fields without time or location restrictions. It focuses on enhancing digital and technological capabilities to increase operational and marketing efficiency, enabling businesses to compete sustainably in global markets. ITD aims to attract at least 500 new SME users in 2025, adding to the platform’s existing base of 3,000-4,000 users.
Suphakit Chareonkul, Director of ITD, highlighted the platform’s success in addressing key issues that hinder SME growth. ITD Expert Anywhere offers solutions in five main areas: licensing and government funding, business operations, technology and cybersecurity, financial management, and international trade. Specific challenges, such as accessing capital and export logistics, are tackled through tailored advice from specialists. (NNT)
