A LEADING economist said the Thai economy should shift its focus to the Asian markets.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), agency director Narongchai Akrasanee said Thai economic and political affairs must be restructured under the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan and shift their reliance away from the US. Mr. Narongchai said investors should turn to do more business with Asian countries and Asean members, including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, and open new markets such as Africa, China, India and the Middle East.

Narongchai also advised entrepreneurs to pay greater attention to innovative products and designs. Government must help stimulate demand, he said.

He said intellectual property protection must also be given priority, beginning with upgrading the Intellectual Property Department to the same status as the Board of Investment BoI. — TNA