Investment Strategy in the Year of Tiger kicks off

BANGKOK, 24 February 2010 (NNT) – The “Investment Strategy in the Year of the Tiger” finance forum was held at the Four Seasons Hotel today to discuss the local and global factors affecting the Thai investment and economy.

According to Chairman of MFC Asset Management Plc Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, there is uncertain domestic investment sentiment as the Thai political factors are unpredictable. Domestic risks this year include uneasy balance of power, continuous opposition movement, weak functioning of police force, which lowers the confidence in safety and security.

However, the risk of the global economy from the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain) and BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries are more concerning than the local risks, Dr Narongchai said.

Regarding the Thai economy this year, modest growth in trade recovery with high instability was expected, said the former commerce minister. This is due to moderate inflation caused by volatile global energy price as well as price hikes of fuel and commodity which have affected the consumer price index.

Financially, the baht currency against the US dollar was expected be volatile with small appreciation, said Dr Narongchai.