BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – The representatives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) met Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit to ask the government to use local products for 90% of materials for its mega infrastructure projects.
Mr Suriya said the federation asked his ministry to prompt the Comptroller-General’s Department to require 90% of materials for the civil work of mega infrastructure projects to use local content. The federation targeted the high-speed railway project to link three major airports among others.
Mr Suriya said he would discuss the issue with Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana.
The industry minister also said that his ministry and the FTI would join forces to enhance the competitiveness of Thai industries.
FTI chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said the federation wanted the government to treat the use of local materials as a national priority and in the meantime would promote the standard of Thai industrial products.
The FTI also asked the Bank of Thailand to convince commercial banks to support finance for small and medium-sized enterprises because banks usually refused to lend to SMEs in unpromising industries, he said. (TNA)
