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Published on August 10, 2007

"It is such a good thing that promotion of maritime business and logistics will become part of the constitution," said Thai Shipowners' Association director Somboon Simasaengyaporn.

"However, the public sector has avoided implementing such guidelines. For example, Thailand has a law promoting maritime business, but without implementation there is no progress. Now we're hopeful that since this will be part of the constitution, the situation will improve."

This is the first time that logistics-development guidelines have appeared in a constitution as part of national economic policy. Article 84 of the draft charter, which will be submitted to a referendum on August 19, stipulates the government must support and promote maritime business, transportation by rail and domestic and international shipment policy.

Tanit Sorat, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries' subcommittee on transport, transportation and logistics, said the specification would be a boon to the economy and drive the Kingdom's logistics strategies.

"Maritime business and logistics have been in the focus of developed countries, because they are the heart of exports. If Thailand is firm in implementing concrete measures, then that will benefit the Kingdom. So far, relying on exports like we have been, we don't have a national shipping fleet," Tanit said.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation