Bangkok--23 Aug--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
DHL Express, the world’s leading express service provider, recently organized a one-day public seminar titled, “Reduce Logistics Costs to Win AEC”, targeted at over 100 leading SMEs across Bangkok whose companies will be impacted by the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
The AEC 2015 is the goal of regional economic integration, transforming ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labour and freer flow of capital. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 99.6% of total enterprises in Thailand, creating jobs for than 10.5 million people[1], constituting three quarters of the national workforce. In recent years, companies especially the SMEs, are increasingly aware that the unfamiliarity with AEC and the inability to adequately adjust to this new trading environment will adversely impact their competitiveness, profitability and the ability to strategically expand their business beyond Thailand. With this in mind, DHL Express Thailand organized a public seminar themed “Reduce Logistics Costs to Win AEC”, aimed at educating these business owners on the importance of choosing the right logistics solutions to help fuel business growth post AEC.
“The integration of the ASEAN countries will transform the region to be more dynamic and competitive as countries experience equitable economic development. We are optimistic that the implementation of AEC 2015 will facilitate and significantly increase cross-border trade between Thailand and the rest of region. As the market leader in the express industry, we are pleased to be able to be part of the growth story of these Thai SMEs as they leverage the opportunities available to them,” said Yasmin Aladad Khan, Senior Vice President, DHL Express Southeast Asia.
The seminar brought together top honchos from established SMEs, prominent opinion leaders such as Ms Penthip Pornchaded, President, Association for Promotion of Thai Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (ATSME), Associate Professor Chackrit Duangphastra, PhD Director of Bachelor of Business Administration (International Program), Chulalongkorn Business School, as well as Research Director of ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University and the general public who came to better understand the impact of AEC 2015 on Thailand’s economy. During the panel discussion, these leaders also provided insights and information on logistics best practices, which enable the companies to navigate the complexities of cross-border trade, increase their competitiveness while reducing overall operational cost. The panel also touched on the importance for SMEs to continually improve and upgrade their infrastructure as well as technological capabilities to remain competitive.
Speaking at the conference Chananyarak Phetcharat, Managing Director, DHL Express Thailand and Indochina said, “The AEC unifies and provides greater prominence to the ASEAN region and with reduced barriers to trade, it will greatly facilitate the movement of goods and services, skilled labor and capital among the 10 ASEAN countries. As we approach 2015, it is becoming increasingly important for Thailand to leverage its many strategic advantages and further harmonize procedures, rules and standards with ASEAN countries especially in terms of customs, administration and transportation. On a company level, we work closely with our growing SME customer base to ensure that they are equipped with all the resources, technical know-how and solutions to ensure their profitable entry into the post 2015 world.”
Suwanchai Lohawatanakul, Secretary-General, ATSME and INTRO Shirt, Brand Owner; Vinai Virojjariyakorn, Managing Director SME Thailand; Penthip Pornchaded, President Association for Promotion of Thai Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (ATSME); Chananyarak Phetcharat, Managing Director, DHL Express Thailand and Indochina; Dawan Petcharat, Managing Director Siamkhmer; Associate Professor Chackrit Duangphastra,PhD
Director of Bachelor of Business Administration (International Program), Chulalongkorn Business School, and Research Director of ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University
Media Contact:
DHL Express Thailand
Parichart Pramukkul
Marketing Manager
Tel: 0-2345-5622
Fax: 0-285-5524
Email:
[email protected]
Aziam Burson-Marsteller
James Best
Communications Director
Tel: 0-2252-9871
Fax: 0-2-254-8353
Email:
[email protected]
[1] Thailand’s Board of Investment: http://www.boi.go.th/tir/issue/201205_22_5/3.htm