Bangkok--16 Mar--Triple Eight Ideas
Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, in co-operation with The Prime Minister’s Office, launch the national project of “OTOP Business Leader Development - OBLD”, which aims to develop the ability of OTOP producers and OTOP products to reach an international standard. Partnerships from government and private sectors include Marketing Association of Thailand, The Board of Trade of Thailand, Investment Institutes and others.
Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, reveals “At present, there are more than 36,000 OTOP producers, 86,000 products, which is worth 57 billion baht of income. The government foresees that if we carefully develop and support OTOP producers to their fullest capability, in return, they can be a part of the new economy for the country. That is reason we would like to urge private sectors to take part in this project. With their supports, OTOP can reach international arena and help contribute more to national economy.”
During this partnership marketing, OTOP producers would learn the successful stories, factors and tools from leading business entrepreneurs and investors, how to upgrade products to meet international standard, how to approach target audience and how to do marketing as professional. On the other hand, those business entrepreneurs and investors would benefit from this matching by using this collaboration as part of their CSR’s activity, which will be a win-win situation for both parties — OTOP producers will get their business developed and business entrepreneurs will fulfill part of their company’s missions.
Mr. Prapas Boonyindee, Director-General of Community Development Department says “Problems with OTOP producers are lack of financial supports and distribution channels. The Community Development Department recognizes that these issues can be resolved by educating OTOP producers to understand the mechanism of the market and respond to its needs. Therefore, we have created the OBLD Project to raise OTOP standard and readiness for a larger role. The project is extended to private sector to take part in the form of corporate social responsibility which emphasizes on community economy development. So they can be self-reliable and sustainable.
This year, we also strengthen our online activities by creating a two-way communication through membership system. Those business entrepreneurs and OTOP producers who join our OBLD will receive information about OTOP from time-to-time to know about our progress and new news.
All of OTOP manufacturers participated in this OBLD project are classified as 3-5 stars. Moreover, the project will be driven through the 3 tactics of Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior: 1.To build and develop local products & business for community 2. To provide necessary information and materials for business advantage 3. To arrange an effective business management for community”
He also adds that this project will play the most important role in increasing the value of local products. Each community will be able to rely on their own, resulting in Thai economic growth.