On April 11, 2003, Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak, the Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the seminar on "Strategies for Developing the Competitive Edge of the North" at the Inperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiangmai. The primary purposes were to brainstorm and encourage participation in mapping out strategies for developing the competitive edge of the North. In so doing, the strategies would reflect the northern people's actual potential, opportunities and needs. In addition, the local development plans would be in line with the strategies which could be materialized effectively.
The participants agreed on the following strategies:
1. Strategies of using the location and the existing basic service structure to create a new economic base related to international economy. To create a transport network with neighboring countries and and information technology system in Chiangmai, the following should be carried out.
1) The expansion of trade in the North. This comprised 2 aspects. One involved the creation of a transport network with neighboring countries and the other was the thorough study of special economic zones in terms of business. The NESDB was commissioned to carry out the study within 3 months.
2) The promotion of software business to be a new economic base of the North. This included an IT Knowledge Park, the establishment of an Information Technology and Communications Institute in Chiangmai University and the development of software business to be promoted as Detroit of Asia and the Kitchen of the World.
2. Strategies of using local arts, culture and scenic beauty to generate income in terms of the tourism and handicraft industry. The participants agreed that its local arts and culture and the distinctive features of its handicraft should be used as a magnet generating income. All 17 provinces in the North should be promoted in neighboring countries and others as well. The focal point should be on adding value to potential tourism such as health tourism. The tourism should be divided into 3 categories - history, arts and culture, nature and adventure. Furthermore, the existing products should be improved and standardized such as a center of product design introducing Lanna fashion.
In addition, the North should be designated as the Region lf Cultrue and Craftsmanship operated in the form of cluster pulling roles and potential of every province in the North. The project will be launched in the province which is the most ready in terns of resources and then expanded throughout the region. As for craftsmanship, the uniqueness of Lanna and Sukhothai features should be highlighted by incorporating then into handicraft. The government should also give support in terms of marketing, exporting and the establishment of conference and exhibition centers.
3. Strategies of using local production and human resources to strengthen the existing economy and income distribution. The participants agreed to 5 development strategies. They are 1) the conglomeration of the production sector which will be continuously supported by the government in every aspect, 2) the trade links between the region and others by exploiting the existing transport system, the inprovement of agricultural products, 3) the establishment of a processed food center in the lower part of the North to add more value to the existing products which initially focus on bio-agriculture, 4) the promotion of high valued produce plantation and 5) the execution of urgent projects of geographical information technology to develop communities on highland, Also, the establishment of an institute researching and developing the managenent of integrated knowledge to achieve a sustainable development on highland.
4. Strategies of systematic revival and conservation of well-stocked natural resources in the North. The participants agreed to the project of developing the Mae Yom River in Prae Province and other projects including the confirmation of the rights to forest land deed, the reforestation of the private sector, dike construction using indigenous knowledge and the Kang Sua Ten Dam construction.
The NESDB has submitted the results of this seminar to the cabinet to be used as guidelines for allocating the forthcoming budget accordingly and executing the plans. The urgent projects will undergo the process as deemed appropriate.
--National Economic and Social Development Board--
-NT/PM-
The participants agreed on the following strategies:
1. Strategies of using the location and the existing basic service structure to create a new economic base related to international economy. To create a transport network with neighboring countries and and information technology system in Chiangmai, the following should be carried out.
1) The expansion of trade in the North. This comprised 2 aspects. One involved the creation of a transport network with neighboring countries and the other was the thorough study of special economic zones in terms of business. The NESDB was commissioned to carry out the study within 3 months.
2) The promotion of software business to be a new economic base of the North. This included an IT Knowledge Park, the establishment of an Information Technology and Communications Institute in Chiangmai University and the development of software business to be promoted as Detroit of Asia and the Kitchen of the World.
2. Strategies of using local arts, culture and scenic beauty to generate income in terms of the tourism and handicraft industry. The participants agreed that its local arts and culture and the distinctive features of its handicraft should be used as a magnet generating income. All 17 provinces in the North should be promoted in neighboring countries and others as well. The focal point should be on adding value to potential tourism such as health tourism. The tourism should be divided into 3 categories - history, arts and culture, nature and adventure. Furthermore, the existing products should be improved and standardized such as a center of product design introducing Lanna fashion.
In addition, the North should be designated as the Region lf Cultrue and Craftsmanship operated in the form of cluster pulling roles and potential of every province in the North. The project will be launched in the province which is the most ready in terns of resources and then expanded throughout the region. As for craftsmanship, the uniqueness of Lanna and Sukhothai features should be highlighted by incorporating then into handicraft. The government should also give support in terms of marketing, exporting and the establishment of conference and exhibition centers.
3. Strategies of using local production and human resources to strengthen the existing economy and income distribution. The participants agreed to 5 development strategies. They are 1) the conglomeration of the production sector which will be continuously supported by the government in every aspect, 2) the trade links between the region and others by exploiting the existing transport system, the inprovement of agricultural products, 3) the establishment of a processed food center in the lower part of the North to add more value to the existing products which initially focus on bio-agriculture, 4) the promotion of high valued produce plantation and 5) the execution of urgent projects of geographical information technology to develop communities on highland, Also, the establishment of an institute researching and developing the managenent of integrated knowledge to achieve a sustainable development on highland.
4. Strategies of systematic revival and conservation of well-stocked natural resources in the North. The participants agreed to the project of developing the Mae Yom River in Prae Province and other projects including the confirmation of the rights to forest land deed, the reforestation of the private sector, dike construction using indigenous knowledge and the Kang Sua Ten Dam construction.
The NESDB has submitted the results of this seminar to the cabinet to be used as guidelines for allocating the forthcoming budget accordingly and executing the plans. The urgent projects will undergo the process as deemed appropriate.
--National Economic and Social Development Board--
-NT/PM-