Entrepreneurs urged to go green

BANGKOK, 12 May 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) has suggested that business entrepreneurs should adjust their production process to be more environmental friendly in the face of the changing trade trends and climate change crisis.

Speaking after opening a seminar entitled ‘Trade and Climate Change’, DTN Director-General Srirat Rastapana disclosed that the issue of climate change has been raised in the global arena, leading to international cooperation in helping cut greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impact of climate change.

Ms Srirat elaborated that special tax hence has been imposed on goods with high greenhouse gas emissions during production. She admitted that the measures will increase operating costs for exporting nations, especially developing countries, which will eventually affect their trade competitiveness.

The director-general also admitted that this environmental tax can be regarded as one of the trade barriers, and that manufacturers should adjust their production processes to be more environmental friendly.

Ms Srirat noted that the DTN will collect opinions and suggestions from all sides to prepare the readiness of Thailand, especially to support the small and medium enterprises as well as to come up with policies on access to technology and government’s assistance in order to enhance competitiveness.