Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021 #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40005683

Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021


MATRADE Bangkok invites brands and the global trade community to register for the upcoming MIHAS 2021 virtual exhibition

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) aims to facilitate high-value, cross-border halal trade digitally at the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from 9 September until 31 December 2021.

Since its inception in 2004, the event has progressively profiled as the marquee halal sourcing platform. Over 1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries participated in the last edition in 2019. Fitted with digital capabilities, MIHAS has neutralized disruptions from the pandemic by enabling exhibitors, visitors, and participants with the freedom to network with AI-assisted business matching sessions, connect across time zones with live chats available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, view showcases of products and services, and participate in webinars from the safety and comfort of their home countries. Exhibiting brands will also benefit from real-time data access crucial for analysis and brand development to remain competitive in today’s highly digitalized environment.

Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021

According to MATRADE CEO, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, “Digitally enabled trade is the way forward and key in rebuilding economic resilience. In keeping up with the current trend and due to the current pandemic situation, MIHAS will spearhead the digitalization agenda for the Halal industry in bringing patrons, investors, and trade partners under one virtual platform. We look forward to fortifying Malaysia’s position as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year amid the challenging environment.”

Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021

With major events pushed to pivot digitally in light of movement restrictions, 65% of visitors and 57% of exhibitors surveyed expect digital event technology will remain relevant even after the pandemic. MIHAS has quickly adapted to these changes, going fully digital for the first time.

“Themed, Empowering Halal, Tomorrow, Together, MIHAS 2021 will focus on showcasing 12 key pillars. These include education, pharmaceuticals, services and enablers, franchise, modest fashion, Islamic finance, cosmetics, and personal care, media and recreation, Muslim friendly travel, e-commerce, and food technology”, said Norman Dzulkarnain Nasri – MATRADE Trade Commissioner in Bangkok.

Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021

“Malaysia’s major export products to Thailand consist of electrical and electronic products chemicals & chemical products, other manufactures, crude petroleum and machinery, equipment and parts.”

“More bilateral trade engagements, especially on border trade, have to take place as Malaysia and Thailand can complement each other in terms of its trade in the export and import of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Halal, Processed Food, Healthy Food, Ready-to-eat Food, Medical Products, Medical related products, Pharmaceutical, Lifestyle Products, Electronic Components, Automotive Parts, and many others.”

Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021

MIHAS aims to virtually host a bevy of Halal exhibitors, and over 15,000 international buyers and trade visitors across the Halal ecosystem, making it the world’s largest Halal event. The showcase has attracted industry giants leading conversations about enabling the Islamic economy and sustainable supply chains respectively.

MATRADE Bangkok invites brands and the global trade community to register for the upcoming MIHAS 2021 virtual exhibition by visiting https://www.mihasvirtual.my/sign_up.

Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021Malaysia Propelling Digitally Enabled Halal Trade at Mihas 2021

Published : September 03, 2021

Chubb joins hands with Burin Journey program giving a group accident insurance package to Super Rider #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005664

Chubb joins hands with Burin Journey program giving a group accident insurance package to Super Rider


Journey Car project is created to help and support Super Rider volunteers and social in the current COVID-19 crisis. The initiative helps encourage the volunteers those sacrificed their dedication to work for society and help COVID-19 infected patients to get treated faster.

Chubb Samaggi Insurance Plc. (Chubb) collaborated with Burin Journey program under the project called “Journey Care” donated a group accident insurance package to Dr.Vichan Pawan, Director of the Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention (IUDC), Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health to help protect “Super Rider” – the group of volunteers who help deliver medicines and medical supplies under the operation of the IUDC. The group accident insurance package covers up to 100,000 baht in value through a full period of one year.

Journey Car project is created to help and support Super Rider volunteers and social in the current COVID-19 crisis. The initiative helps encourage the volunteers those sacrificed their dedication to work for society and help COVID-19 infected patients to get treated faster.

Published : September 03, 2021

Bangpakok Hospital Group opens registration for Moderna jabs #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40005665

Bangpakok Hospital Group opens registration for Moderna jabs


Private hospitals have been authorised to order Moderna jabs via the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) as an alternative vaccine for citizens.

Bangpakok Hospital Group opened its second round of registration for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine jabs on Thursday.

Private hospitals have been authorised to order Moderna jabs via the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) as an alternative vaccine for citizens.

The Moderna doses are expected to be delivered between January – March 2022 and will be priced at 1,650 baht per jab, inclusive of hospital service fees.

Moderna jabs can be booked at https://bpkconnect.com/ecommerce/vaccine.

Registrants must make payment in full on the booking date. Due to limited supply of the vaccine, the hospital will schedule jab appointments on a first-come, first-served basis.

If the hospital is unable to offer jabs because of a supply shortage, registrants will be refunded the full payment. However, the hospital will not refund registrants who miss their jab appointment.

Registrants can also transfer their jab to another recipient by informing the hospital in advance.

Classified as an mRNA vaccine, Moderna can be administered to people aged 18 years or over, with a four-week interval between first and second jabs.

Bangpakok Hospital Group opens registration for Moderna jabsBangpakok Hospital Group opens registration for Moderna jabs

The vaccine is suitable for:

1. People who have been fully vaccinated for over three months. Those who have already received a booster dose for over six months can book two Moderna jabs.

2. People who have already received the Sinovac-AstraZeneca cocktail can take Moderna vaccine as a booster.

3. People who have received two Sinopharm jabs at least three months ago can take Moderna vaccine as a booster.

4. People who had their first AstraZeneca jab at least three months ago can take Moderna vaccine as their second jab.

For more information, visit www.bangpakokhospital.com

and www.facebook.com/BPK9HOSPITAL or contact the hospital’s hotline: 1745.

Published : September 03, 2021

BGRIM to explore gas-fired power plants, renewable energy and smart grid development in Asia Industrial Estate #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005620

BGRIM to explore gas-fired power plants, renewable energy and smart grid development in Asia Industrial Estate


The accord applies to the Asia Industrial Estate (Suvarnabhumi) in Bang Bo District which AIE operates jointly with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

B.Grimm Power PCL (BGRIM) and Asia Industrial Estate Co Ltd (AIE) have agreed to explore the feasibility of developing natural gas-fired and renewable energy power plants, and integrated intelligent power transmission network at the latter’s industrial park in Samut Prakan.

Dr. Harald Link, Chairman and President of BGRIM, and Chali Sophonpanich, President of AIE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly pursue the cooperation.

The accord applies to the Asia Industrial Estate (Suvarnabhumi) in Bang Bo District which AIE operates jointly with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). Covering an area of more than 4,000 rai, the industrial estate is ideal for industries related to automotive, auto parts, foods, pharmaceutical, logistics, e-commerce and data center operations.

It is ideal because the estate’s strategic location being only about 40 km away from Bangkok’s business district, 20 km from the Suvarnabhumi Airport and Lad Krabang Sorting and Packing Station, 54 km from Klong Toey Port and 85 km from Laem Chabang Port.

The industrial estate is easily accessible by two main routes: Bangna-Trad Road (through Rattanakosin 200-Year Road) and Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway (through the Peng Road which is now regarded as the main route from Bangkok to Chachoengsao Province and has its traffic lanes expanded to four and six lanes). The industrial estate is home to large-scale operators like Hino Motors Manufacturing (Thailand) Co Ltd, NGK Ceramics (Thailand) Co Ltd and Thai-Yazaki Electric Cable Co Ltd.

BGRIM to explore gas-fired power plants, renewable energy  and smart grid development in Asia Industrial EstateBGRIM to explore gas-fired power plants, renewable energy and smart grid development in Asia Industrial Estate

Dr Link said the collaboration with AIE supports BGRIM’s drive to elevate its position as a leading industrial power producer and enhancing its competitive edge.

BGRIM’s planned facilities in the industrial estate will offer high quality energy supplies directly to customers through a trading mechanism bypassing state-run power utilities using the ‘Smart Grid’ developed by BGRIM. The company has trialled the energy trading system at BGRIM’s buildings and various industrial estates, he added.

BGRIM has earlier set up a pilot study project to develop a smart grid system linking Amata City Industrial Estate in Chon Buri Province with Bangkadi Industrial Park. The scheme integrates various power generation sources including natural gas-fired plants, renewable energy generators like floating solar and solar rooftops with electric vehicles charging stations and energy storage systems (ESS).

Also under the project is upgrading transmission lines and modernising various systems to become intelligent to support technological developments and adaptation of the 5G technology. The project will be implemented in phases.

Dr Link noted that this cooperation with AIE is very much in line with BGRIM’s strategy to expand its transmission and distribution business in the region. The company has built and controlled power transmission and distribution systems in nine industrial estates in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to establish infrastructure foundations necessary for the development of ‘Smart City’ in the future.

To date, BGRIM has 50 power plants in commercial operation. The company aims to ramp up its total installed capacity from 3,058 MW at the end of 2020 to at least 7,200 MW of secured PPA by 2025 and further to 10,000 MW by 2030 with an annual revenue of more than 100 billion baht being targeted.

Published : September 02, 2021

Ministry launches e-commerce plan to generate over THB5.3 billion next year #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005601

Ministry launches e-commerce plan to generate over THB5.3 billion next year


The Department of International Trade Promotion said the e-commerce plan covers four strategies: e-marketplace development, improvement of the environment and other factors related to e-commerce, trust and sustainability of e-commerce, and improved conditions for entrepreneurs.

The Commerce Ministry has revealed details about its national e-commerce plan, which aims to generate over 5.35 billion baht in 2022

The plan was approved by the Cabinet on Monday.

Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook, an adviser to Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, said Jurin realised the importance of e-commerce in the digital economy, which is one of the country’s main policy focuses.

As such, he had ordered a specific committee to draft a plan to promote e-commerce. Jurin also set a target of boosting the value of e-commerce from 4.03 billion baht in 2019 to 5.35 billion baht in 2022, Malika added.

Ministry launches e-commerce plan to generate over THB5.3 billion next yearMinistry launches e-commerce plan to generate over THB5.3 billion next year

The adviser explained that the plan will help stimulate Thailand’s market, which has been damaged by the Covid-19 crisis.

“This plan will generate benefits to people at all levels. Thai-owned platforms will be promoted and strengthened in a fairer market that includes foreign platforms. In addition, big data will be utilised to make e-commerce operations in Thailand more stable and systematic. The commerce minister also aims to expand commercial markets for local entrepreneurs and farmers through the online channels” said Mallika.

The Department of International Trade Promotion said the e-commerce plan covers four strategies: e-marketplace development, improvement of the environment and other factors related to e-commerce, trust and sustainability of e-commerce, and improved conditions for entrepreneurs.

Published : September 02, 2021

Maybank Kim Eng Thailand appoints Arapat Sangkharat as Chief Executive Officer #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005575

Maybank Kim Eng Thailand appoints Arapat Sangkharat as Chief Executive Officer


Arapat joined Maybank Kim Eng Thailand in August 2020 as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and as Regional Head

Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited (“Maybank Kim Eng Thailand”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Arapat Sangkharat as its Chief Executive Officer and Non-Independent Executive Director effective from 31 August 2021.

Arapat joined Maybank Kim Eng Thailand in August 2020 as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and as Regional Head, Transformation, Maybank Kim Eng Group. He was subsequently appointed as Officer in Charge on 1 July 2021 following the retirement of Mr Montree Sompaisarn on 30 June 2021. As Chief Executive Officer, he will be responsible for the overall Investment Management and Investment Banking & Advisory businesses in Thailand and the execution of Maybank Kim Eng’s five-year plan.

Maybank Kim Eng Thailand appoints Arapat Sangkharat as Chief Executive OfficerMaybank Kim Eng Thailand appoints Arapat Sangkharat as Chief Executive Officer

Ami Moris, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Kim Eng Group commented: “Our operations in Thailand has a long and solid history of excellence that has contributed to Maybank Kim Eng Group being named Southeast Asia’s Best Broker eight years in a row. Arapat’s experience in strategy and transformation will propel Maybank Kim Eng Thailand into a new era of growth and innovation to cater to our increasingly savvy clients.”

Arapat Sangkharat, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) Plc. said: “I am honoured to be given this opportunity to lead Maybank Kim Eng Thailand to achieve our ambition of becoming the top-of-mind investment management company and investment bank of choice in Thailand. I look forward to working with our very capable team to build upon our strong franchise in Thailand and continue to deliver value to our clients and shareholders.”

Arapat has more than 24 years’ experience in financial services and management consulting in Asia and the United States. An executional strategist with expertise in business strategy, digital transformation, merger & integration and execution of innovation blueprints, he worked with more than 20 financial services institutions including Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of NY Mellon, American Express and Citigroup over the span of his career with Deloitte and PwC.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Financial Investments from the University of Southern California.

Published : September 01, 2021

Logistics expo generates over THB1.2 billion for Thai private sector #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005574

Logistics expo generates over THB1.2 billion for Thai private sector


Thailand’s international logistics-trade fair this year generated over 1.249 billion baht for Thai businesses, accroding to the Commerce Ministry.

Held from August 25-27, the TILOG Virtual Exhibition 2021 saw 81 Thai companies do business with 40 foreign corporates. The online event also attracted over 24,000 visitors, according to the ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP).

A highlight of the exhibition were talks between Japan’s Naha Port and Thai logistics providers. The DITP said Naha Port officials had held discussions about import and export businesses between the two countries.

The department also held a symposium on digital logistics, which attracted over 1,600 attendees.

Those interested in the event can visit www.tilog-ve.com for logistics information and recorded talks until September 27.

Published : September 01, 2021

Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and ICONSIAM are ready to reopen #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005570

Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and ICONSIAM are ready to reopen


under maximum preventive and disease control measure plus stringent staff screening – 100 percent have to be vaccinated before operation resumes

According to Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s recent announcement, to allow more businesses to reopen so that people can restore their normal lives as much as possible, OneSiam – the synergy of Siam Paragon Siam Center and Siam Discovery together with ICONSIAM are now ready to reopen under highest levels of preventive and disease control measures. The proactive practices also include stringent staff screening before the official operation resumes. All measures are to ensure utmost confidence to businesses in the shopping centers, tenants, staff and customers. The reopening plan is rolled out under “One Smile Forward” concept – that all of us will embrace the new normal together.

Siam Paragon Siam Center and Siam Discovery together with ICONSIAM have taken hygiene and health safety measures our top priorities and has been taken proactive measures to the highest level, applied to both our staffs and visitors. The shopping centers’ operation has been strictly carried under the guidelines by the Department of Disease Control and the Ministry of Public Health since the early spread of Covid-19 in 2020. The reopening is also operated under maximum preventive and disease control measures and stringent staff screening before the official reopening, to reassure visitors’ utmost safety.

Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and ICONSIAM are ready to reopenSiam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and ICONSIAM are ready to reopen

Naratipe Ruttapradid, Senior Executive Vice President – Operation, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd, said “Siam Paragon Siam Center and Siam Discovery is more than ready to reopen. The reopening is operated under 360◦ and highest levels of hygiene and safety measures, in compliance with CCSA’s mandates to lower the risk of Covid-19 spread, so that businesses and activities can be sustainably carried on with safety. We are implementing Covid-Free Setting Protocol to reassure confidence to our staffs, business operators and visitors. All staffs are required to be vaccinated and pass the antigen test kit test before resuming their duties, the use of Thai Safe Thai platform, staffs must wear face masks at all time and strictly follow D-M-H-T-T rules (Distancing, Mask wearing, Hand washing, Testing, and using the Thai Chana app). In addition, shops and restaurants must pass the Thai Stop Covid+ standard set by the Ministry of Public Health.

Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and ICONSIAM are ready to reopenSiam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and ICONSIAM are ready to reopen

The operation system is effectively conducted such as sanitizing the air cooling, air ventilation system, water quality control, proactive big cleaning with disinfectant spray in the public areas and in the shops. Frequent touch points are sanitized every 30 minutes. Car park cards are cleaned after each use to ensure maximum hygiene and safety for both staffs and customers.

Published : September 01, 2021

CKPower announces strong and sustainable Q2/2021 Net Profit growth of 845% #SootinClaimon.Com

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005516

CKPower announces strong and sustainable Q2/2021 Net Profit growth of 845%


Growth is expected to continue into Q3 driven by increase in water flow during the rainy season and share of profit from additional shareholding in Xayaburi Power

Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited (CKPower), stock symbol “CKP”, announced the performance of CKPower group for Q2/2021 and 1H/2021, stating that CKPower continued to generate healthy profits with the Company reporting Net Profit attributable to Equity Holders of the Company Baht 707.0 million, an increase of Baht 801.9 million or 845.0% from the same period last year when it reported a loss of Baht 94.9 million and also reporting total revenue of Baht 2,295.2 million, an increase of Baht 464.0 million or 25.3% from the same period last year when it reported total revenue of Baht 1,831.2 million. As for the first half of 2021, the Net Profit was Baht 821.6 million, an increase of 289.1% from the same period last year when it reported a loss of Baht 434.4 million, while total revenue was Baht 4,396.2 million, an increase of Baht 803.1 million or 22.4% from the same period last year when it reported total revenue of Baht 3,593.1 million.

CKPower announces strong and sustainable Q2/2021 Net Profit growth of 845%CKPower announces strong and sustainable Q2/2021 Net Profit growth of 845%

The growth in operating results was partly attributable to higher revenue from the sales of electricity from the Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant (“NN2”), which reported Q2 electricity sales of Baht 956.1 million , an increase of Baht 563.5 million or 143.5% compared to the same period last year, and reported 1H electricity sales of Baht 1,715 million, an increase of Baht 946.4 million or 123.1%. The increased revenue was driven by higher electricity sales due to greater reservoir inflows during the first half as well as higher water storage levels at the start of 2021 compared to the same period last year.

Furthermore, CKPower earned a year-on-year increases in the share of profit from its investment in the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant (“XPCL”) of Baht 616.9 million or 626.3% in Q2/2021 and Baht 915.6 million or 208.5% in the first half of 2021, which were primarily attributed to greater average water flow rates through the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant compared to the same period of the previous year, boosting sales of electricity, and to a decrease in XPCL’s financial expenses due to a decline in interest rates from the previous year and loan principal repayment.

Mr. Thanawat said that in addition to strong Q2 performance, CKPower issued Baht 4,000 million debentures on May 28, 2021 with the proceeds intended for the rollover of its debentures that were due in Q2/2021, for asset acquisition and investment in ventures related to the Company’s businesses, as well as for use as working capital in CKPower’s operations. The debentures were given a credit rating of “A-/Stable” by TRIS Rating Company Limited. Furthermore, on June 29, 2021, CKPower purchased an additional 5% share of XPCL as approved by the 2021 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders with a Baht 1,800 million short-term loan facility as source of fund, increasing its shareholding in XPCL from 37.5% to 42.5%.

The strong performance is expected to continue into Q3/2021 as a result of an anticipated year-on-year increase in NN2 and XPCL’s electricity output as NN2’s reservoir inflows and the Mekong water flow rates through XPCL are forecast to continue to be higher than the previous year. In addition, XPCL has been able to produce electricity at maximum capacity since mid-June. The performance will also be driven by the fact that CKPower is set to begin recognizing the increased share of profit from XPCL following the additional 5% shareholding from Q3 onwards.

“CKPower is making preparations to issue debentures to rollover the short-term loan facility used to pay for the additional shares in XPCL and expects to issue the debentures in Q4, subject to market condition. The Company is also set to start a credit rating process for XPCL in the second half of this year to accommodate XPCL’s plan to issue debentures in 2022,” said Thanawat.

With regard to COVID-19, the production of all CKPower’s power plants have not been affected as Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) have been prudently prepared to handle such events and manage risks that may impact the Company’s operations. CKPower has also donated Baht 2 million to Kasetsart University Foundation to support its COVID-19 vaccination efforts, contributed necessary equipment to Public Health Service Center 4 Din Daeng under BMA Health Department to support its public vaccination service, and handed out alcohol gel hand sanitizers to communities surrounding Bangpa-in Cogeneration Power Plant, a power plant under CKPower Group, Thanawat added.

Published : August 31, 2021

Ngern Tid Lor PCL is IFC’s First Investment in a Non-Banking Financial Institution in Thailand #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40005470

Ngern Tid Lor PCL is IFC’s First Investment in a Non-Banking Financial Institution in Thailand


IFC combines investment and advisory to foster sustainable economic growth in Thailand’s private sector. As of June 2021, IFC’s committed portfolio in Thailand is $875 million.

Small businesses will have improved access to finance with IFC’s first investment in a non-banking financial institution (NBFI) in Thailand, Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited (TIDLOR). The latest investment from IFC aims to support a resilient recovery by promoting business growth, creating jobs, and fostering financial inclusion.

IFC’s financing package of up to $100 million (about 3,000 million Thai baht) loan will allow TIDLOR to increase its lending to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs in the country). IFC will also mobilize international investors to help TIDLOR access diversified funding and support the company to improve its credit risk management framework.

Ngern Tid Lor PCL is IFC’s First Investment in a Non-Banking Financial Institution in ThailandNgern Tid Lor PCL is IFC’s First Investment in a Non-Banking Financial Institution in Thailand

MSMEs represent 86 percent of Thailand’s labor force and account for 45 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Yet, even before COVID-19, MSMEs in Thailand had an estimated financing gap of $41 billion, accounting for 10.3 percent of the country’s GDP. With the pandemic, they face several challenges including order cancellation, reduced sales, disrupted supply chains, and shortage of working capital. Also, MSME lending by banks has been tighter due to higher non-performing loan (NPL) ratios.

“In the face of an ongoing crisis, IFC’s investment will allow TIDLOR—an affiliate of Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited (BAY)—to strengthen our balance sheet as we execute on our strategy to promote financial inclusion with a digital- and data-driven approach, ” said Piyasak Ukritnukun, Managing Director of Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited.

NBFIs that are focused on lending remain small in scale, accounting for less than five percent of the total assets of Thailand’s financial system. This is primarily because NBFIs do not accept deposits, lack diversified funding sources, and target informal workers, individual entrepreneurs, and MSMEs that have no fixed asset collateral and are perceived as high risk.

“In line with IFC’s strategic priorities in Thailand, IFC’s investment will help increase accessible, convenient, and affordable financial services for MSMEs, which is critical to promote employment and sustainable development,” said Jane Yuan Xu, IFC Country Manager for Thailand and Myanmar. “IFC’s support will also inspire confidence among potential international investors while having a catalytic effect on competitors, accelerating economic recovery in Thailand,” Xu added.

IFC combines investment and advisory to foster sustainable economic growth in Thailand’s private sector. As of June 2021, IFC’s committed portfolio in Thailand is $875 million.

Published : August 30, 2021