May. 15 Thailand: Thailands chemical industry to benefit from Asean integration

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Local chemical businesses stand to reap rewards from the imminent Asean Economic Community (AEC) if they can successfully address several challenges, say industry executives.

Prof. Supawan Tantayanon of Chulalongkorn University’s science faculty said Thailand’s chemical industry has competitive advantages in terms of human and natural resources compared with its Asean neighbors.

Supawan was speaking on the topic of “Green Chemistry, Safety and Responsible Care and How the AEC Will Affect the Region’s Chemical Industry” on Tuesday’s launch of Chemspec Asia 2013, to be held in Bangkok this September. Ethylene, used in automobiles and home appliances, is vital to the development of the country’s petrochemical industry, she said.

However, Supawan noted that Thailand still lacks a technological edge in research and development (R&D).

The industry will shift its focus to Asean markets, but Petcharat warned that the chemical industry needs to upgrade its international certification, as the AEC will implement international rules and regulations governing chemical products.

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