Don Muang Airport seen as potential export hub for Thai products

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Don Muang Airport seen as potential export hub for Thai products

BANGKOK, 7 February 2011 (NNT) – The Commerce Ministry is poised to discuss with the Transport Ministry about the possibility of using Don Mueang Airport as a distribution center for export products.

With an aim to facilitate small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the export sector, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot disclosed that the Ministry is conducting a feasibility study on the utilization of Don Mueang Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2 as a major distribution center for Thai export goods. The Commerce Ministry’s advisory team has been assigned to put together a report on the matter within 2 weeks before the meeting with the Transport Ministry is held.

Since Suvarnabhumi International Airport commenced its services in 2006, Don Mueang Airport has been operating only domestic flights. Two airlines, namely Nok Air and One-Two-GO Airlines, are still using the facilities today.

Regarding the China City Complex to be constructed on Bang Na-Trat Road in Bangkok, Mr Alongkorn said the Ministry would meet with the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce to exchange opinions on the project’s impacts on Thai businesses and formulate suitable measures if needed. According to the Deputy Minister, Thailand and China will hold shares at the ratio of 51:49 in compliance with the Foreign Investment Law while Thai investors are guaranteed to enjoy lucrative gains from the project.


-- NNT 2011-02-07
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Commerce Ministry to Turn Don Muang into SMEs Hub

The Commerce Minister has plans to turn Don Muang Airport into a distribution hub for SME products.

Deputy minister of commerce, Alongkorn Ponlaboot said after holding talks with the Federation of Thai Industries, or FTI, that there are plans to help small and medium enterprises, or SMEs, in Thailand. Investors are working on creating a wholesale and retail complex in Thailand, called 'China City', which would help increase channels for selling products and goods.

The minister proposed that Don Muang International Airport be used as a hub for transferring goods to support the mass investment and as a place to process the distribution of goods.

Alongkorn stated that the ministry will conduct a careful study of the plan within the next 2 weeks. If the airport is capable structurally and logistically further plans will be carried out in coordination with the Transport Ministry as well as the royal Thai air force.

The minister is of the view that Don Muang is suitable for a hub, given the availability of its structures and logistics. Turning it into a hub would increase Thailand's competitiveness amongst ASEAN countries and China.

As for progress regarding the Ar Su Ma complex, currently 2 to 3 investment groups as well as banks are very interested in investing in it. Even though authorized capital is only 50 million baht, more investments are expected to be made soon.

-Tan Network 2011-02-08