New commerce minister takes measures to control cost of living
The Commerce Ministry has announced four urgent measures in a bid to solve the high cost of living and promote a rise in crop prices and exports while also increasing trade efficiency.
Newly appointed Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said the ministry would tackle the high cost of living by looking into the production cost of essential goods, as it believed some prices could be reduced.
This will be done to ensure consumers and manufacturers are treated fairly, she said.
Apiradi said the ministry aimed to spark an increase in prices for agricultural products by boosting their value-add and promoting the trade of crops domestically and overseas.
She said the third measure involved supporting exports and cross-border trade by helping create trade connections for farmers, manufacturers, exporters, importers and foreign consumers.
Finally, the ministry will amend trade laws and regulations, in particular the Trade Competition Act, in an effort to facilitate trade growth and ensure fair trade practices.
Deputy Commerce Minister Dr Suvit Maesincee said the ministry was focused on improving and balancing the economy, as it relied too much on overseas trade. He said the urgent measures should start delivering results after three months.
