Statement by the Delegation of Thailand
H.E. Mr. Winichai Chaemchaeng,
Vice Minister for Commerce,
at the High Level Event: Digital Transformation for All: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
25 April 2017, Geneva

Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

E-commerce has revolutionized the global economy and the way businesses operate. As all tools are, e-commerce has a potential to both generate wider income inequality and be a tool for development. It is up to the policy makers to set a policy that will enhance the development dimension of e-commerce, strengthen the grassroots economy and enable the people to enter the global value chains. That said, in developing countries, many potential entrepreneurs still need assistance, especially on technology and access to finance.

Empowering women and the marginalized people is also an important issue in developing countries, and should be incorporated into an international trade policy development plan in order to improve the opportunities and livelihood of all members of society. E-commerce has allowed more women and people in remote areas to engage in business transaction and thus increase their income.

The Thai government promotes technology utilization among businesses, startups, and access to finance through various initiatives such as the Business Security Act that grants SMEs an easier access to source of funding, additional capacity building projects and raising awareness on relevant rules and regulations, e-filing and electronics transactions. The government also aims to drive the economy with digital technology. These initiatives allow for greater accessibility to finance, customers, and paperwork both domestically and internationally.

According to the Asian Development Bank, even as Asia’s developing countries further strengthen their capacity for e-commerce, most of them face institutional issues, such as complicated border clearance procedures and red tape, and disharmonized customs requirements between states hinder intra-regional trade. Market-related risks—such as fraud, costs of adaptation, and a risk of crowding out—also serve as barriers to entry. Therefore, the government must improve the labor market and accommodate new technologies with legislations in a timely manner. International trade policy must also be open and transparent. Cooperation in taxes and simplified customs procedure would assist with enabling more people into the global arena and improve their livelihoods with opportunities that e-commerce has to offer.

Thank you