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 Rachane Pojanasunthorn, director-general of the department, said that he had discussed with some exporters in the furniture sector.

 "Not that we want to collect money from the entrepreneurs for the fund. But we need their opinions on how to run the fund. Mostly, they want the fund to refocus its policies and focus on sector by sector," Rachane said. 

 He noted that these award-winning exporters have their own brands and possess business creativity. With these strengths, they can compete in the global market if they receive higher supports from the fund.

 Most exporters suggested that the fund should be refocused to primarily promote the most feasible projects. Exporters would be required to submit proposals which could promote exports to the Fund for such financial assistance and the promotion should be carried out sector by sector for higher efficiency.

 Their opinions would then be summarised and submitted to Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet. Then, the fund's policies would be reshaped.

 The Export Fund is now suffering from liquidity problems. It is allocated a budget of Bt450 million for the operations in 2008 fiscal year but there are projects which will require over Bt2 billion.

 The fund's objectives for 2008 are to maintain market shares and promote Thai products in new markets, as well as increase Thai exporters' competitiveness in terms of packaging and quality development.

- The Nation