Khon Kaen: A City of Food Innovation - Chamber of Commerce President Confident GDP Will Exceed 200 Billion This Year
Highlighting “Khon Kaen” as a City of Food Innovation
The President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce is confident that this year GDP will exceed 200 billion
Mr. Khemchat Somjaiwong, President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the overall economic situation in Khon Kaen over the past three quarters has shown continuous liquidity stimulation and good spending. Although there were some slowdowns at times, the economy quickly rebounded due to large-scale investments in the area and various projects assigned by the government to both public and private sectors. This collaborative approach has ensured that all projects meet their set targets, particularly in infrastructure development and urban planning to align with the city’s status as a metropolitan area. By the end of this year, the foundation work for the light rail project and the construction of the government’s dual-track railway will commence as scheduled. Additionally, the development of a dry port is set to begin in 2018, and the Khon Kaen airport is being upgraded with an investment of several billion baht to become an international airport. Investors from other regions and countries continue to choose Khon Kaen as a target for investment, leading to increased spending, job creation, and tangible income for the community.
“Khon Kaen is set to have consulates from two more countries established in the area, and airlines from China and Laos are in talks to open international flight routes. This progress in urban development is timely, and it is essential to prepare the people of Khon Kaen to enter the service industry with a clear focus and specialization to develop skills and expertise that will support various businesses. At the same time, as a central city, Khon Kaen ranks second in the province's Gross Regional Product (GDP) and remains a hub for agricultural production, often referred to as the kitchen of the country. By the end of this year, the government is also preparing to declare Khon Kaen as a city of food innovation,” Mr. Khemchat stated.
He is confident that this year, Khon Kaen will achieve a GDP of up to 200 billion baht, reflecting a 5% growth from the previous year. However, in the SME sector, some businesses have acknowledged being affected by the overall economic situation, yet many others continue to thrive by targeting specific customer segments that meet consumer demands. Therefore, today’s SMEs must adapt and access services from government agencies, academic institutions, and organizations that support and promote SMEs. It is crucial to eliminate outdated business practices and transition into modern SMEs that can keep pace with rapid changes. The Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce is ready to mentor and support business operations at both local and national levels, ensuring that businesses in Khon Kaen at all levels have marketing channels and opportunities for business partnerships, ultimately leading to sustainable business operations.
Thanks to the article from Siam Rath (October 9, 2017) and KHONKAENLINK.INFO
