FTI seeks party talks:

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to invite all political leaders from every party to a discussion on March 18 about the next step in Thailand’s business and industrial sectors, out of concern about low efficiency and global competitiveness.

The FTI plans to propose white papers to all parties consisting of suggestions from the country’s business and industrial operators on Thailand’s economic outlook, government policy and a facelift for the business and industrial sectors.

Supant Mongkolsuthree, the FTI chairman, said many companies are concerned about the country’s future competitiveness.

The FTI conducted an internal survey from all 45 industries and clusters, totalling 10,000 companies nationwide, finding 61% are trapped at the Industry 2.0 stage.

“Another 28% and 9% of the companies surveyed are in the 3.0 and 1.0 stages, respectively,” said Mr Supant. “Surprisingly, only 2% of the companies have reached the 4.0 stage, which is the goal under the current government.”

Only a limited number of companies are approaching higher industrial technologies and innovations, while most still lack competitiveness.

“The FTI is concerned about whether Thailand’s industrial efficiency can compete with other new emerging countries in the near future,” Mr Supant said. “This is why we plan to propose our opinions and suggestions to all parties and many of them will be part of the next administration.”

The FTI will have its annual general meeting with 10,000 companies on March 18, and the general election will be on March 24.

“All party leaders hope to meet and listen to business and industrial operators,” Mr Supant said.

He said Thailand needs to improve its industrial sector, with more companies adopting innovation and high technology, in line with Thailand 4.0.

The FTI wants the next government to continue some existing policies and projects in the industrial sector, as many companies expect to continue their investment plans in accordance with the existing government’s policies.

“Some policies need to be continued for unruffled economic sentiment,” Mr Supant said.