Bangkok: The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) and Khon Kaen University (KKU) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at boosting Thai and ASEAN small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by leveraging Hong Kong as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and global markets. This initiative is designed to enhance product standards and digital capabilities, using global e-commerce platforms to expand market access.
According to Thai News Agency, the partnership between OSMEP and Khon Kaen University is further supported by the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR) in Malaysia. Together, they organized a hybrid workshop titled "Enhancing the Competitiveness of ASEAN SMEs in the Hong Kong Market through Digital Platforms," which gathered SME entrepreneurs from Thailand and other ASEAN countries at the Jubilee Prestige Hotel in Bangkok. The workshop focused on using digital platforms to enhance market entry and competitiveness.
Mr. Witawat Lamsam, Assistant Director of OSMEP and Acting Director of the International Cooperation Division, emphasized the agency's commitment to integrating SME entrepreneurs from Thailand and 11 ASEAN member countries into the Hong Kong and Chinese markets through the ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Area (FTA). Hong Kong is seen as a strategic entry point into the Greater Bay Area, which includes Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. The region offers significant opportunities due to its heavy reliance on imports, with Thailand contributing 58.4% of imports valued at US$11 billion, particularly in fresh and processed food products.
The initiative is structured around three main areas of development: upgrading product standards to meet international requirements, enhancing product information in Chinese, and accessing leading e-commerce platforms like JD.com, Tmall, and Taobao. These platforms are critical for SMEs to reach consumers directly, bypassing traditional trade intermediaries. The collaboration aims to equip SMEs with the skills necessary for managing online stores and building brand awareness.
In addition to workshops, OSMEP hosts the "ASEAN Access" website and the "ASEAN Access LEARN" platform, providing SMEs with resources and strategies for international business expansion. This effort is part of a broader SME promotion plan involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions, all working to build a robust foundation for SMEs and startups. The key to success lies in the readiness of entrepreneurs and their ability to meet international product standards while choosing effective marketing channels to access the vast southern Chinese market.
Associate Professor Dr. Pongsuhti Phuenchan, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy at Khon Kaen University, highlighted the university's dedication to enhancing the competitiveness of ASEAN SMEs through funding from the ASEAN-Hong Kong FTA Economic Cooperation (ECP) project. The project, which spans one year, positions Thailand as a central hub, leveraging online platforms like "ASEAN Access LEARN" and "ASEAN Access MATCH" to facilitate entrepreneur development across the region. A significant component of the project is a business matching event on August 28th, aimed at creating direct trade opportunities with major Hong Kong distributors and buyers.
Khon Kaen University aims to address challenges faced by SMEs, such as a lack of digital platform skills and international business networks. The university encourages entrepreneurs to expand beyond domestic markets to a global customer base. As a bridge between academia and the business sector, the university provides a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, connecting entrepreneurs with international business partners.
In the digital era, overcoming language barriers and leveraging AI technology are crucial for global market penetration. By viewing the world as their market, SMEs can access consumers from various regions, including Hong Kong, China, the United States, Europe, and Japan, enhancing their global growth potential.