Page 33 - FoodFocusThailand No.179 February 2021

SPECIAL INTERVIEWNTERVIEW
SPECIAL I

“The coalition of entrepreneurs will allow for a clearer overall through their own investment, start up without much difficulty. This is
picture of the industry and help ascertain the directions the industry evident during the pandemic where new players joined the F&B field.
is taking. The problems each factory faces are different and diverse. If the government comes up with the policies and measures that assist
Some may seem small and are overlooked by the government, but these start-up SMEs to enter the field more properly, easily, and promptly,
if such problems occur to more than 50% of the manufacturers, it it will significantly help improve the overall view of Thailand’s F&B
means that they are common and interesting enough to be studied industry.”
for further solutions.” “Around 30-40 years ago, most SMEs grew from OEM businesses,
“We focus on important issues that are under people’s attention. which would mass-produce goods for other brands or companies. From
We have vice-chairmen overlooking each area such as regulation, now on, however, parallel changes will be necessary to extract their full
industrial promotion, and innovation. We strive to reach a middle potential: the production of OEM goods should be carried out along
ground that gives answer to both the public and private sectors without with the building of their own brands as domestic brands are more likely
causing any undue disruption to any party in particular,” remarked to inspire trust and confidence to foreign trade partners.”
Mr.Visit. For example, if a regulation issued by the government with “Adopting the OEM model keeps business afloat while building own
the objective to promote the industry and facilitate smooth transition brands will help sustain the business in the long run. In addition, adding
only minimally increases manufacturing costs and comes with value to own fleet of products – such as using manufacturing by-products
reasonable enforcement period, such is an acceptable middle ground as raw materials to produce a new product – is also another way to
that is not disruptive to any party. help attain sustainability.”
“Recently, the whole world has been dealing with the COVID-19
Synergize for Sustainability pandemic, and Thailand succeeded in clearly showing the world that
Mr.Visit commented that the large-enterprise members of the Food we could effectively handle food security in terms of raw material
Processing Industry Club that promptly have the resources to run the availability, public accessibility to food, and nutrition. An additional issue
business need clearly defined regulations. On the other hand, SMEs, that needs to be addressed is Food Safety Plus, which refers to having
which make up 90% of the members and are the majority of the club, safety measures and standards that warrant COVID PREVENTION, in
expect solutions that will help promote their business such as clearly order to build confidence for overseas trade partners.”
defined trade partner markets and information on specific regulations “In order to efficiently push forward any agenda, we need to rely on
of each market. Smaller manufacturers may first have eye on the collaboration between the public and private sectors, both of which
neighboring countries such as CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, have major roles in the food industry.”
and Vietnam) and China. “If you are interested in joining the F&B industry…If food safety is
In his second term as the Chairman of the Food Processing your main concern…If you truly intend to contribute to the society, we
Industry Club, the Federation of Thai Industries, Mr.Visit said that his are ready to welcome you as a part of the club where we can unite as
mission is a continuation of the first term, “The goal in my second well as innovate, promote, and push the F&B industry toward a better
term is to raise “food” to the level of a national agenda. Food goal,” concluded Mr.Visit.
manufacturers should be able to see clear-cut directions and actions It does not matter whether you are just a tiny dot or a large one. We
from the authority in terms of how it will support the industry and, more hope that your presence, when connected with many other dots, can
importantly, build confidence for SMEs, who are the industry’s main help pave a way toward our common success in a stable, prosperous,
artery.” and sustainable manner without leaving anyone behind.
“As previously mentioned, F&B is a business that Thais can,

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