SCGP unveils expansion strategy focused on mergers & partnerships

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40021376

SCGP unveils expansion strategy focused on mergers & partnerships

SCGP unveils expansion strategy focused on mergers & partnerships

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Siam Cement Group Packaging (SCGP), Thailand’s leading packaging producer, unveiled a business expansion strategy emphasising mergers and innovation on Tuesday.

The strategy is part of the company’s effort to maintain growth after recording earnings of 112,559 billion baht in the first three quarters, a 26-per-cent rise from the same period last year.

The company’s continuous growth was the result of mergers and partnerships (M&A) in high-potential businesses, as well as chain integration to boost performance, CEO Wichan Jitpukdee told a press conference at SCGP headquarters on Tuesday.

M&A would therefore remain ACGP’s primary strategy for expansion in coming years, he said.

He added that as well as collaborating with innovative packaging solution firms, SCGP is looking to tap recycling companies, whether new or existing, to help drive long-term growth.

The firm recently completed M&P deals with Peute Recycling BV (Peute), a packaging material recycling company in the Netherlands, and Jordan Trading Inc (Jordan) of the US.

Wichan said that the collaborations with Jordan and Peute would hasten expansion of SCGP’s international packaging recycling network.

Peute, and Jordan’s best practices would also lead to an improvement in the standard of recycling operations in the ASEAN region.

SCGP unveils expansion strategy focused on mergers & partnershipsIn addition to emphasising M&P, Wichan said SCGP will boost production efficiency by creating novel solutions through research and development.

The firm recently partnered with three of Thailand’s top medical supplies distributors to expand Deltalab’s customer base throughout Asean in response to rising demand for healthcare and medical supplies.

SCGP will also prioritise the ESG4 Plus (Environment, Social, and Governance) framework for sustainability to achieve its net zero goal by 2050 and raise the percentage of environmentally friendly packaging that is recyclable, reusable, or compostable from 99.7 per cent to 100 per cent.

Rising revenue in the first nine months came from an increase in M&A and higher demand for food and beverage packaging as a result of the country’s reopening and improved Covid-19 situation, said Wichan.

Earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (EBITA) were 15.848 billion baht, up 1 per cent from the same period last year.

However, profits fell by 13 per cent from the same period last year due to higher energy and raw material costs.

He said domestic consumption and tourism are expected to recover steadily in the ASEAN economy from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023.

“This will boost demand for essential goods such as food and beverages, as well as other consumer products, as orders are being prepared in advance of year-end festivities. Packaging would remain an important component of supply chain continuity to meet the region’s growing consumer consumption,” Wichan said.

However, he warned that a weaker-than-expected recovery in China may impact the Asean packaging industry, while global energy costs are expected to remain high.

He expressed confidence, though, that SCGP would meet its targeted sales revenue of 150 billion baht in 2022.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Toyota leads the field as auto sales rev up in the first nine months of the year

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021413

Toyota leads the field as auto sales rev up in the first nine months of the year

Toyota leads the field as auto sales rev up in the first nine months of the year

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

The domestic automotive market has grown 19 per cent year on year in the first nine months of 2022 with total sales of 633,687 vehicles, in line with the continuous recovery of the economy from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Automotive Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported on Tuesday that 74,150 vehicles were sold in September alone, a 15.6 per cent jump from the previous month.

Toyota dominates Thailand’s auto market with 208,619 units sold in nine months, growing 25.3 per cent year on year.

Isuzu was second with 163,627 units sold, growing 24.4 per cent. Honda is in third place with 61,281 units sold this year, down 0.1 per cent year on year.

Notably, EV and hybrid manufacturer Great Wall Motor was in 10th place, enjoying a whopping 614.4 per cent growth year on year with 8,094 units sold.

Surasak Suthongwan, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Thailand, said that the surge in growth in the domestic auto market was due to manufacturers introducing new models while offering sales promotional campaigns, as the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is continually improving since the start of the fourth quarter.

FTI auto club vice president and spokesman Surapong Paisitpattanapong added that the easing of travel restrictions had boosted domestic travel, product transport, and influx of foreign investors, thus increasing the demand for vehicles among businesses and consumers.

“Furthermore, the manufacturing and import of automotive parts have met delivery targets this year, thus allowing the uninterrupted production of new vehicles in the market,” said Surapong.

The FTI would release its updated estimates on automotive output in 2022 at the end of October, he said.

Thailand’s exports in September grow 7.8 per cent but higher import bill widens trade deficit

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021408

Thailand’s exports in September grow 7.8 per cent but higher import bill widens trade deficit

Thailand’s exports in September grow 7.8 per cent but higher import bill widens trade deficit

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

Thailand’s exports expanded by 7.8 per cent year on year in September with a total value of US$24.919 billion, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Wednesday.

Jurin said imports in September had a total value of $25.772 billion, an increase of 15.6 per cent, compared to the same month last year.

Jurin said Thailand had a trade deficit of $853.2 million in September.

During the first nine months of this year, Thailand’s exports were valued $221.366 billion, a 10.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Imports from January to September were valued at $236.351 billion, a 20.7 per cent increase year on year, Jurin said, adding that the deficit during the first nine months stood at $14.984 billion.

The minister added that there was still room for export growth for the rest of this year and that exports would drive the Thai economy to grow by 4 per cent as targeted this year.

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021407

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

Thailand aims to surpass Germany and United States as world leader in pet food exports after seeing an over 34 per cent growth year on year in the first nine months of 2022.

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Wednesday that from January to September this year, pet food exports had reached 74.97 billion baht, increasing 34.4 per cent year on year and was on the rise for 37 consecutive months.

United States is the biggest market (21.5 billion baht) followed by Japan (8.41 billion baht) and Italy (4.82 billion baht). Dog and cat foods dominate total exports at 65.27 billion baht, while 9.7 billion baht are from foods for other animals.

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

“Currently Thailand is the world’s third largest pet food exporter behind Germany and the US. Our products target both middle and upper markets, especially in the functional food sector for owners of alternative pets,” he said. “Thai products meet international safety standards with a manufacturing process that ensures environmental sustainability, which help establish trust in quality among global pet owners.”

“With continued support from the government and close cooperation between the ministry and the Thai Pet Food Trade Association [TPFA], I am confident that soon Thailand will take the lead and become the world’s biggest pet food exporter,” said Jurin.

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

Jurin was speaking at the Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2022, which will be held until Friday (October 28) at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre in Bangna, Bangkok.

TPFA, who organised the fair for the first time in Thailand since its establishment in 2019, said over 150 companies from 35 countries will be opening product and service booths. It estimated more than 1.3 billion baht worth of business deals will be achieved at the fair among over 3,000 participants.

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

Jurin added that his ministry and the TPFA will seek cooperation from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries in hosting the pet fair in the coming years on a larger scale, aiming to become an international event for pet lovers from around the world.

Thailand could soon become world’s top pet food exporter: Jurin

Thai business councils say Xi’s 3rd term will benefit trade, investment

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021403

Thai business councils say Xi’s 3rd term will benefit trade, investment

Thai business councils say Xi’s 3rd term will benefit trade, investment

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) welcomed Xi Jinping retaining the post of Chinse president for a third term, saying it would lead to a continuity in policies that would benefit Thai businesses.

The positive reactions were expressed by FTI president Kriengkrai Thiennukul and TCC chairman Sanan Angubolkul.

Xi was confirmed as leader for a third term after a week-long meeting of the ruling Chinese Communist Party strengthened his political hand.

Kriengkrai said Xi would continue to bring about stability in China’s foreign and economic policies.

The FTI chief said only aged administrators in the Chinese government were replaced.

He said with Xi continuing to lead China, the Asian superpower would become the globe’s technology leader by 2035.

Thailand expects Beijing to ease its anti-Covid measures next month and to see Chinese tourists return late this year, but reports have it that the Communist government would continue its stringent Zero-Covid policy until March, Kriengkrai said.

The FTI president added that Xi’s continued leadership and the on-going trade war between China and the United States would continue to benefit Thailand.

The trade war has prompted Chinese investors to seek new manufacturing bases, especially in Southeast Asia, Kriengkrai said.

“This was reflected in the ratio of foreign direct investments, which showed China was top on the list of foreign investors in the kingdom,” he noted.

Once Beijing eases its Zero-Covid policy, more Chinese investors would travel to Thailand, Kriengkrai believed.

He said Chinese tended to invest in electrical vehicle manufacturing and high-tech industries in the kingdom.

“Thailand remains the top choice for Chinese investors because of good ties between the two countries. Chinese investors love the investment environment in Thailand and we believe more investments will flow from China into Thailand, but it would also depend on the geopolitical situation between China and the US,” Kriengkrai hastened to add.

Sanan said he believed Xi retaining the leadership would benefit both Chinese and Thai economies because China would continue its trade, investment and tourism policies.

Thailand would benefit from a Chinese recovery and this would play a part in helping the Thai economy expand by at least 4 per cent, Sanan said.

He noted that China’s economy had been growing at the rate of between 6 and 9 per cent, but dropped to 2 per cent because of its Zero-Covid policy. Yet the policy was still positive because it showed Beijing was serious about controlling the outbreak.

Sanan said the TCC expects more than 5 million Chinese tourists to return to Thailand next year once that country fully reopens.

Chinese are the biggest group who have invested in Thailand with several big corporations investing in the kingdom, Sanan pointed out.

For example, he said, BYD decided to invest in EV manufacturing in Thailand and several other Chinese firms, including medical equipment manufacturers, will use Thailand as a supply chain.

Sanan added that the Thai government has improved the law to make it more convenient for foreign investors to buy land so that they can use the kingdom as a strategic area linking other Asean countries.

True-Dtac merger will benefit customers, insists NBTC former vice-chairman

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021395

True-Dtac merger will benefit customers, insists NBTC former vice-chairman

True-Dtac merger will benefit customers, insists NBTC former vice-chairman

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

The former vice-chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) said he agreed with the True-Dtac merger because it is “based on laws and will be beneficial to consumers”.

The NBTC last week voted 3:2 to “conditionally acknowledge” a planned merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communications (Dtac) after nine months of deliberation.

Colonel Settapong Malisuwan, the vice-chairman of the House committee on communications, telecommunications and digital economy and society and former NBTC vice-chairman, said on Tuesday that the NBTC had taken a step in the “right direction” as it had followed the laws and regulations while also being non-discriminatory.

Settapong said the process needed to follow the 2018 NBTC regulation on mergers, which allows businesses wishing to merge to only notify the regulator, not seek its approval.

He said the 2006 anti-monopoly directive that requires businesses to seek approval has been cancelled.

“This decision by the NBTC will be the right norm for working under the laws. All cases must be considered equally and be non-discriminatory. When we have rules and regulations, we must follow them.”

Settapong mentioned that the True-Dtac merger was not the first under the 2018 NBTC regulation. It had been enforced when he was the NBTC’s vice-chairman. He said there have been nine previous mergers.

He explained that the NBTC must be informed according to the law as the latest planned merger was an amalgamation under the 2018 NBTC regulation. The companies must send a report to the commission and inform its secretary-general for at least 90 days about developments, he added.

True-Dtac merger will benefit customers, insists NBTC former vice-chairman

Settapong said the NBTC clearly has the power to set conditions or measures for mergers to protect the public.

He believed customers will benefit from certain conditions (a price ceiling and price controls) and this could be applied to all players in the industry for fairness.

However, Settapong said the NBTC must release follow-up regulations and monitor the merger so it will be beneficial to the public. The commission must also step in immediately if the merger affects people’s rights, he made it clear.

As for concerns about monopoly or high service prices, he said all operators must follow laws and regulations and they cannot fix prices freely.

Thai, Lao PMs to lay foundation stone for new Mekong bridge

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021391

Thai, Lao PMs to lay foundation stone for new Mekong bridge

Thai, Lao PMs to lay foundation stone for new Mekong bridge

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

The foundation stone for the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge will be laid by the prime ministers of both countries on October 28.

Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Tuesday that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will travel to Bueng Kan province on Friday to participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony of Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No 5 together with his Lao counterpart Phankham Viphavanh.

The bridge running over Mekong River will connect Bueng Kan’s Muang district with Laos’s Bolikhamsai province. It has a total length of 1.35 kilometres – 0.815km on Thai territory and 0.535km on the Laos side. It will serve as another transport route that links Thai-Lao-Vietnam Highway R8, which terminates in China’s Guangxi region, and promote key cross-border trading among the four countries.

Construction work began in June 2020 and is expected to be completed in April 2024.

The 3.65-billion-baht project covers the construction of roads, a customs checkpoint, a concrete bridge, and a multi-purpose area under the bridge.

Anucha said talks to hold the foundation stone laying ceremony took place during Phankham’s official visit to Thailand in June.

He added that after the ceremony Prayut will discuss bi- and multi-lateral ties with Phankham.

Baht could continue strengthening: market strategist

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021385

Baht could continue strengthening: market strategist

Baht could continue strengthening: market strategist

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

The baht opened at 38.05 to the US dollar on Wednesday, strengthening from Tuesday’s close of 38.29.

The currency will likely move between 37.90 and 38.15 against the greenback during the day, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted.

He said the baht had strengthened faster than expected because the dollar declined as the market was in a risk-on state.

If the market continues to be open to more risks, foreign investors might come back to purchase Thai stocks and this would support the baht’s strengthening, Poon said.

However, he speculated that the strengthening of the Thai currency would be limited to between 37.80 and 37.90 to the dollar as importers were gradually purchasing the dollar now that the month is drawing to a close.

Furthermore, some big investors have returned to a “wait and see” state as they closely watch results of key central bank meetings involving the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan at the end of the week.

Poon advised investors to use hedging tools such as options to manage risks in a highly volatile currency market.

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021381

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022

The crosshairs of the global gaming industry targeted Bangkok last weekend as the world’s top developers unveiled their latest creations at the “Thailand Game Show 2022”.

Southeast Asia is now among the fastest-growing video game markets on the planet, according to Level Infinite, whose “PUBG Mobile” and “Tower of Fantasy” were stars of the expo at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Level Infinite spokesperson Oliver Ye said strong growth of the region’s gaming industry was being driven by improved digital infrastructure and rising disposable income.

“With over 250 million gamers, Southeast Asia’s video gaming is expected to hit a compound annual growth of 8.5 per cent for the period 2020-2025,” he said.

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

Thailand is at the centre of this boom, high-scoring among Southeast Asian video-game markets with revenue of US$1.24 billion (47.48 billion baht) last year. And that figure is forecast to reach $1.4 billion (53.53 billion baht) this year.

“This is spurred by the digital lifestyle that has become the norm, where youths today are using video and mobile games as a way to strengthen current relationships and meet new people who share the same passion,” Ye said.

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

E-sport is playing a big role in accelerating growth of the gaming industry as more people embrace the e-competition and its potentially lucrative rewards, he added.

“This has opened more opportunities for the gaming ecosystem to create new jobs and drive economic growth, from careers in sectors like infrastructure, such as network engineers and operators, events management, content creators and players.

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

Ye added that Thailand’s move to recognise e-sport as professional sport will motivate more gaming enthusiasts to pursue a career in the industry and stimulate growth in both the local and regional gaming market.

“We also look forward to bringing our global expertise and experience in game publishing and development to enable long-term growth for the region’s gaming industry, support local game studios as well as nurture young talents,” he said.

Thailand’s billion-dollar market driving video-game boom in Southeast Asia

Council chief explains the 5 key issues up for discussion at Apec leaders’ summit

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021380

Council chief explains the 5 key issues up for discussion at Apec leaders' summit

Council chief explains the 5 key issues up for discussion at Apec leaders’ summit

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022

The Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) chairman said the five points on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting agenda would bring topics like inflation, food insecurity and climate change to the forefront.

Abac chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul was speaking to The Nation on Tuesday. In the conversation, he said that Abac’s aim is to promote a global rules-based trading system and an Asia-Pacific free trade area as well as an ecosystem that supports economic growth.

“All these actions are fundamental to ensuring that our region is seamless, dynamic, resilient and sustainable for everyone, including the disadvantaged and under-served,” he said.

He added that Apec leadership and decisive action are necessary to speed up economic recovery in the fallout of Covid-19.

The five points put forward by Abac are: regional economic integration; digital infrastructure; sustainable practises of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); sustainability; and finance and economics.

The economic leaders’ meeting, scheduled for November 18-19, is part of the Apec Summit, which kicks off on November 14 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Kriengkrai, who also chairs the Federation of Thai Industry, said Abac is looking for opportunities to facilitate trade and investment, as well as for integration into a wider regional market. He added that the council was also focusing on carbon credit and future food, which will soon become new income sources for people.

“We also call on Apec to facilitate the reopening of borders to accelerate the regional recovery, particularly for MSMEs that were adversely affected by Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.

He added that Abac will continue focusing on the development and implementation of a regional framework to facilitate business operation and tourism in the post-Covid era.

Abac’s 5 points

Regional economic integration: Free-trade pacts and restoring regional travel

Digital infrastructure: Preparations to transition into a digital economy

MSMEs and inclusiveness: Restoring MSMEs in a post-Covid era as well as promoting participation by women, children and under-privileged persons

Sustainability: Focusing on net-zero emissions and promotion of sustainable food and energy

Finance and economics: Issuing effective economic stimulus measures and creating an ecosystem that supports digital finance