Bangkok, SCGP points out that the packaging industry trend in 2024 will recover from tourism stimulation. Exports recover, investing 15,000 million baht in businesses with high growth potential. Targeting sales income of 150,000 million baht, while in 2023 there was sales income of 129,398 million baht, a decrease of 11%. Mr. Wichan Jitpakdee, Chief Executive Officer SCG Packaging Public Company Limited or SCGP announced the company's operating results for 2023 with sales income of 129,398 million baht, a decrease of 11 percent from the previous year, and EBITDA of 17,769 million baht, a decrease of 100 percent. 8 each and had a profit for the year of 5,248 million baht, a decrease of 10 percent, with the EBITDA Margin rate increasing to 14 percent from last year's 13 percent from a focus on cost management and efficient product production. Sales of consumer product packaging are still strong. Although the overall picture of the packaging paper industry last year saw increased price competition. And there a re factors of inflation and interest rates which affect the purchasing power of consumers. At present, the price situation for selling packaging paper and pulp in the region has passed its lowest point. and is likely to increase from the recovery of purchasing demand in the ASEAN region and China. Based on the operating results of 2023, the Board of Directors resolved to propose to the general meeting of shareholders to approve the payment of dividends for the year 2023 at the rate of 0.55 baht per share. The company has already paid interim dividends at the rate per share. 0.25 baht on August 22, 2023 and will pay the final dividend at the rate of 0.30 baht per share on April 22, 2024 according to the list as of the date of determining the names of those eligible to receive dividends on April 3, 2024, which will display the XD sign. or the date when there is no right to receive dividends on April 2, 2024 For the overall picture of the packaging industry in 2024, Mr. Wichan said there was a trend of recover y. Especially in the ASEAN region such as Thailand and Vietnam. Indonesia including China There are positive factors from policies to stimulate tourism and exports that are expected to recover. Inflation rates and policy interest rates that tend to decrease will have a positive effect on the purchasing power of consumers. Meanwhile, energy prices and recycled paper raw material prices tend to remain stable to increasing. and possible adjustments in freight rates due to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. 'SCGP is ready to create growth to achieve the 2024 revenue target of 150,000 million baht with a total investment budget of 15,000 million baht through expansion strategies in businesses with high growth potential. such as the medical equipment business food packaging and packaging development Bio-Solutions that is a mega trend Continuously developing innovations and solutions,' Mr. Wichan said. This is to increase the ability to do business. and cost management along with raising the level of work towards excellence through the use of technology Including driving ESG to increase the proportion of alternative energy use. and working towards the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. Source: Thai News Agency