BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) - In an attempt to boost their competiveness and ability to fight against mega-sized business retailers, especially giant transnational firms, more than 500 Thai greengrocer wet market operators in Bangkok and upcountry on Saturday signed a declaration to establish a so-called 'Market Assembly of Thailand', a senior Commerce Ministry official said.
Internal Trade Department director-general Yanyong Phuangrach said his department would advise small businesses on sources of inexpensive goods prices for market traders because the department has wide knowledge of these sources.
The objectives of the assembly, Mr. Yanyong said, are aimed at enabling wet market operators to work as a team or to form a cluster of businesses in order to boost their competitiveness so that they can fight off major retail businesses which are threatening traditional business in Thailand.
Such businesses could be affected like the so-called mom-and-pop businesses which have been significantly eroded, and are now in decline, said Mr. Yanyong.
According to statistics prepared by the Internal Trade Department, there are more than 6,000 retail shops and markets nationwide with combined sales of over Bt1.2 trillion annually.
Of these, there are 2,847 wet market operators earning between Bt50-60 billion annually. (TNA)-E111
Business News : Last Update : 17:01:43 3 May 2008 (GMT+7:00)
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