Verawut Pushes to Elevate Agricultural Industry, Help SMEs Access Funding
Industry Minister Verawut is pushing initiatives to boost Thailand's agricultural sector and improve SME access to funding through partnerships with the Thai SME Development Bank and private sector leaders.
Industry Minister Verawut Silpaarch discussed proposals from government-private sector consultations held at the 'Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens' forum. During these discussions, CP Group Senior Chairman Thanin Chearavanont made an important observation that Thailand possesses 'surface oil'—agricultural resources—which are more valuable than underground oil. This aligns with the government's policy direction emphasizing agricultural industry development. On May 18, Verawut met with Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphand and Commerce Minister to discuss preserving Thai fruit quality year-round and extracting high-value compounds for export, which he emphasized is crucial for Thailand's food security. The ministry is implementing comprehensive support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), working with the Thai SME Development Bank to provide not only financial loans but also personnel development and knowledge transfer. The bank will implement a unified industrial policy using the ministry's resources to elevate SME operations.
