The Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC) has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to promote the enhancement and development of international e-commerce (B2B Cross Border e-Trading Platform). The aim is to benefit Thai exporters, particularly SMEs and startups engaged in B2B trade through e-commerce platforms, as well as to expand markets, facilitate trade, and increase the value of Thai products in the global market.

        The proposal for developing the B2B Cross Border e-Trading Platform serves as a guideline for the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to utilize in policy-making, encompassing three key principles:

1) Raising Awareness

2) Access to Technology

3) Relevant Application

 

The recommendations for upgrading the B2B cross-border e-commerce platform are divided into five key components:

1) Entering the e-commerce market as an exporter or seller. The platform should facilitate and help control shipping costs, such as providing diverse pricing from logistics service providers, displaying information on regulations and required import documents from destination countries, and implementing a customer screening system to verify the authenticity of foreign importers or buyers.

2) Financial support services and online payment systems. The platform should define payment methods between foreign importers or buyers and exporters or sellers, covering all functional aspects, especially international payment terms.

3) Logistics services. The platform should support integration with the National Single Window (NSW) of the Customs Department and the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) to facilitate customs procedures and reduce cost burdens for small operators. Additionally, the platform should allow logistics service providers to compete and offer diverse services.

4) Negotiating international trade terms through the platform to accommodate the establishment of international trade conditions, such as International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), online.

5) Training for operators wishing to use the platform. Support should be provided for training sessions for users or members (exporters or sellers and importers or buyers) to enhance understanding of how to utilize the platform effectively.

          The growth of global e-commerce is becoming increasingly popular, with the market value in the Asia-Pacific region expected to grow by approximately 27% by 2019, particularly in cross-border e-commerce. According to UNCTAD data from 2017, UNCTAD member countries experienced an average growth rate in global e-commerce sales valued at $25.3 trillion, with $22.3 trillion attributed to B2B e-commerce and $2.9 trillion to B2C e-commerce. China leads in B2C e-commerce with a value of $617 billion, while the United States has the highest B2B e-commerce value at $6.443 trillion. Both countries are significant trading partners for Thailand. Therefore, developing a B2B cross-border e-commerce platform is crucial for Thailand's international trade and needs urgent advancement.