Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Ministry of Commerce of Thailand hasmet with business operators recently to discuss approaches to boosting Thaiexports, hoping to achieve an 8 percent annual growth target.

Banjongjit Angsusingh, Director General of the Department ofInternational Trade Promotion, reported on February 25 that Thai exportscontracted 5.6 percent in January, recording a trade deficit of 4 billion USD,the highest in seven years, prompting the department to convene the meeting withThai exporters to discuss solutions to the export slump as the Ministry ofCommerce targets 8 percent expansion this year.

The meeting on February 25 agreed that Thai exports will rebound in thesecond quarter of 2019, given Japan, the US, and India are expected to continueimporting Thai goods.

Banjongjit told the meeting that her department will organize businessmatching events throughout 2019, to help Thai exporters partner up withoverseas companies.

Sanan Angubolkul, the deputy chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce,predicted this year’s economy will grow no less than 3 percent, but expressedhis concerns over currency fluctuations, the government’s minimum wage policy,the US-China trade dispute, trade barriers, and the agricultural price slump.

Sanan suggested that the government push for free trade agreements withother nations such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement forTrans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The CPTPP is a trade agreement between 11 countries: Australia, Brunei,Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, andVietnam.-NNT/VNA