Most of the Thai exporting companies can be classified as small and medium size enterprises, or SMEs. The SMEs sector has great potential to be upgraded and improved, and to expand its export potential. Giving these companies the opportunity to learn and gain experience from other successful exporters and foreign experts allows them to achieve their business goals faster.

The DEP has set up a number of projects to develop the potential of Thai exporting companies, advising them on developing strategies for international trading on a number of levels, depending on the exporters' needs. During 2001, there were 89 training courses and seminars organized in Bangkok and the regions. In some projects, participants had the opportunity to be trained overseas. All the projects provided information on marketing strategy, electronic commerce, business negotiation, international trading laws, and business preparation.

This was an outstanding project in 2001, the second year in which it was carried out. The project aimed to develop an aggressive export strategy for Thai merchants, and the program included training sessions, presentations, discussion, and special lectures by experts from both public and private sectors. Subjects ranged across the entire spectrum so that an exporter would be prepared under any circumstances. Participants were taught about export regulations, business administration and management, cost and price estimation, business negotiation techniques, strategies for product promotion and marketing, quality and standards of export products, detecting business opportunity windows, dealing with electronic commerce, relevant laws such as copyrights and patents, economic trends, and the possibilities of exporting to new and emerging markets.

Overseas, workshops were held in Vietnam and Singapore. The aim of these workshops was to allow participants to learn directly from experience, seeing how successful export companies dealt with markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom.

Notably, during the year 2001, there was an increase in the number of participants: there were 82 businesspeople from 25 trading groups in 2001 compared to the 72 participants from 16 trading groups the previous year. One successful outcome of the project was that 154 participants formed a club of smart exporters, creating their own website www.thaismartexporter.com, which contains information about their businesses.

New entrepreneurs have approached the DEP with requests for a program that can help them improve their skills and professionalism. This is why the course "Start Business with Professionalism" has been created. The course combines theoretical and practical knowledge, and is designed to help prevent errors, limit risk taking, and reduce business operating costs.

In 2001, there were 138 participants in the training course, with 63 from the private sector in Bangkok, 37 from the private sector in other provinces, and 38 from governmental organizations. The civil servants who joined were from organizations that have principal roles in promoting business and trade. Although not specifically about exporting, the greater efficiency acquired from the course is itself an important part of export promotion.

Information technology and e-commerce are now an integral part of doing business overseas. The website has become the commerce center because it is convenient to trade and exchange goods for both sellers and buyers. It also saves on business travel, conferences, the middleman, and of course time. In the future, costs will become even lower and the transfer of funds and goods more efficient. The government's policy has been to direct all government departments to ensure they develop e-government systems. The DEP has fully implemented information technology into its own management, and also developed intranet and extranet systems to connect the Bangkok office with the regional offices and the Foreign Trade Promotion Offices. In this way, information is exchanged between officers, enhancing the information flow for Thai exporters, foreign importers, and other interested people.

Trade Enquiry System For faster service, the DEP has brought its trade enquiry system on-line, so anyone can access the list of Thai exporters/manufacturers and foreign importers/buyers, as well as learn about the DEP's activities. Further, general information is provided via telephone and fax on numbers 66 2 5125151 and 66 2 5115502. There were more than 20,000 users in 2001.

Electronic Catalogue Online More than 8,500 companies appear on the Exporters List (EL), which covers 17 groups of products and services. Those listed can adjust their information online at any time. At least 7,500 exporters on the list have their own e-mail address, and 5,000 have their own website.

Business Opportunities Thai exporters can present their products and services to the global market via a listing on the DEP website, which acts as an on-line matchmaker between seller and buyer.

Virtual Trade Show The DEP trade fairs in Thailand are presented in interactive format on the internet, allowing exhibitors to advertise their products 24 hours a day. Potential buyers are able to directly contact exporters via e-mail on www.thaitradefair.com. In 2001, there were six virtual trade shows, covering major sectors such as textiles, furniture, home and decorative items, food, leather, and the health and beauty service business. The virtual shows received more than 57,000 visitors in 2001.

The DEP also provides an information technology service for public who are interested in exports, such as businesspeople, students, and marketing experts. A multimedia room and information library has been set up to serve them, or they can access the DEP at www.depthai.go.th, www.thaitrade.com, and www.thaitradefair.com. These sites contain links to other useful websites.