The Ministry of Commerce introduces New Economy Academy or NEA, a hub of development and training courses for SMEs to turn them to Smart SMEs, in line with the government’s policy to strengthen the local economy and elevating the Thai economy to Thailand 4.0, using innovation, information technology, and digital technology to drive the economy locally, regionally, and globally.
Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister, said, “The government has a Thailand 4.0 policy which focuses on using innovation and technology to promote SMEs and to turn local industries to Smart SMEs, through the use of information technology and digital technology to change traditional economy to creative economy and high-value services. The idea is to work less and get more. The government has laid the foundation to drive the country towards New Economy or Digital Economy, using hard infrastructure that covers all needs and functions. For digital transaction security, laws and regulations have been issued (soft infrastructure), while service infrastructure has also been implemented to maximize digital services. Entrepreneurs are also encouraged to improve their digital skills for marketing and distribution. They will be able to access government information and services using digital technology. The Ministry of Commerce has worked with Alibaba to improve ecommerce, and from the visit to the Alibaba Headquarters in Hangzhou, we have learned about the Rural Taobao project, in which Alibaba helps farmers and small businesses in rural areas to do business online through Alibaba’s platform. The Ministry has looked into this model and adapted the idea, and the result is the launch of New Economy Academy, which is the hub of SMEs in Thailand with an aim to create a nationwide network.”
Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, said, “The Ministry of Commerce’s mission is to promote and improve Thai businesses in order for them to compete locally and internationally. We have set up New Economy Academy (NEA) under the supervision of DITP. NEA will be the hub of Thai SMEs, helping them to elevate themselves towards New Economy using knowledge and technology to expand their distribution channels and increase their competitiveness. It is also a network that consists of various parties – government offices, private sector, civil society, and educational institutions. The Ministry has connection in all the 77 provinces, and we have provincial Business Solution Centres which work directly with the NEA. This will become a network that helps groom Thai SMEs and gives them necessary knowledge in order to change from local to global economy.”
The official launch of New Economy Academy (NEA) is titled “Commerce 4.0 towards New Economy”, honored by Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister who presides over the event. There are special talks titled “New Start: SMEs in the New World” by the Minister of Commerce, “SMEs 4.0 Understanding Online Shoppers” by representatives from E-marketplace organizations and online markets such as Thaitrade.com, lazada, Visa, Paypal, Facebook, Line, DHL and Thai Post Office, and “Success Secret, from Local to Global” to inspire SMEs to adapt to the New Economy. Participants can also sign up for courses at NEA and other organizations that will take place throughout the year, such as digital business knowledge that covers every aspect of the business, from how to compete in the online market to e-commerce, as well as how to add value to products and services, and how to enter foreign markets. This will help Thai SMEs become Smart SMEs.
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