Bangkok: The Minister of Commerce, Suphajee Suthumpun, began her first day at the Ministry of Commerce, setting into motion urgent tasks to boost the economy. Suphajee, along with Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Wutthikrai Leewiraphan, and other executives, initiated her tenure by paying respect to the ministry's sacred shrines and unveiling new policies aimed at balancing trade for buyers, sellers, consumers, and producers both nationally and internationally.
According to Thai News Agency, Suphajee outlined the ministry's urgent missions, aligning them with the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul's and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Ekniti Nitithanpraphat's "Quick Win" strategies. These strategies are designed to achieve short-term results and establish a foundation for future growth. The ministry is already preparing to implement these initiatives.
Suphajee emphasized the need for clear prioritization of the ministry's numerous tasks to achieve tangible results. Addressing the issue of the strong baht, which impacts exporters, she noted that discussions are underway with all economic ministries. The Ministry of Commerce is tasked with pushing forward policies to support exporters effectively.
In the coming months, the ministry plans to accelerate trade initiatives, focusing on seasonal agricultural products like rice and coffee and advancing international trade negotiations. While target countries have been identified, specific details will be released following the government's policy statement.
Special attention will be given to trade relations with Cambodia, as it affects cross-border trade and the livelihoods of border communities. This requires coordination with the provincial commerce office, provincial governors, and the Ministry of Interior to develop comprehensive support measures.
Suphajee expressed confidence in her team, stating, "I'm not as concerned about not having an assistant minister because I don't adhere to the principle of working alone. We have limited knowledge, but we came to the ministry with more knowledgeable people. Our duty is to do what we have, to use what we have to help integrate and gain perspectives from perspectives the ministry may not have considered before."