2001年-世界发展银行全球_Thailand___Country_Development_Partnership_for_Competitiveness_79页_5mb

Thailand Country Development Partnership for Competitiveness Summary

Core Content

The Thailand Country Development Partnership for Competitiveness (CDPC) is a three-year program initiated by the World Bank Group to support the Royal Thai Government (RTG) in its Ninth Economic and Social Development Plan (2002–2006). The program aims to enhance Thailand's competitiveness by addressing structural weaknesses in the economy through reforms in the financial, corporate, and knowledge sectors, as well as modernizing the infrastructure regulatory framework and improving the business environment.

The CDPC is based on a Development Policy Matrix and a Partnership Matrix, which outline the reform priorities, objectives, institutional changes, and technical assistance (TA) needs. It is a collaborative effort involving the RTG, civil society, the private sector, and international partners such as the World Bank, ADB, UN agencies, and bilateral donors.

Main Objectives

• Enhance the knowledge base to improve the competitiveness of Thai firms in a globalized world.
• Modernize the infrastructure regulatory framework and State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) reform to reduce costs and improve service delivery.
• Improve the business environment and corporate governance to support productive use of labor and capital.
• Strengthen financial sector reform to reduce non-performing loans (NPLs) and improve lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Implement a sustainable debt management system to ensure fiscal stability and support economic recovery.

Key Areas of Reform

1. Maintaining Sound Macroeconomic Management

• The RTG has adopted supportive macroeconomic policies to aid recovery.
• The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has been working on an inflation targeting framework.
• Fiscal consolidation is a priority, with efforts to modernize public debt management and tax collection systems.
• Tax departments (Revenue, Excise, Customs) are being modernized with the help of IT and improved analytical tools.

2. Strengthening Financial and Corporate Reform

• NPLs have decreased, but challenges remain in enforcement and restructuring.
• The financial sector has been recapitalized, with private banks raising $7.3 billion in capital.
• The establishment of a Central Bankruptcy Court (CBC) and Asset Management Corporations (AMCs) is part of the reform.
• A Corporate Debt Restructuring Advisory Committee (CDRAC) has been set up to facilitate restructuring processes.
• The program supports the implementation of new financial and accounting standards, and the creation of a Public Debt Management Office (PDMO).

3. Strengthening the Knowledge Economy

• Education, skills development, and information technology are key to enhancing competitiveness.
• The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) and National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) are involved in strengthening science and technology capabilities.
• The Department of Vocational Education (DOVE) and Dual Vocational Training (DVT) are being developed to improve the workforce's skills.

4. Modernizing the Infrastructure Regulatory Framework and SOE Reform

• The regulatory framework for infrastructure is being updated to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• SOE reforms are being implemented to enhance performance and reduce inefficiencies.

5. Strengthening the Business Environment

• Improvements in competition policy, trade and investment regimes, and corporate governance are necessary.
• The Trade Competition Commission (TFG) and Competition Policy are being developed to promote fair competition.
• SMEs are a focus of the program due to their significant role in employment and output.

Key Challenges

• NPLs remain a major constraint on financial sector lending, particularly to SMEs.
• Judicial inefficiencies delay the resolution of NPL cases, with a backlog in the Civil Courts.
• Regulatory forbearance and lack of transparency in financial institutions' balance sheets make it difficult to assess the full extent of losses.
• Implementation gaps exist in the reform agenda, requiring more TA and capacity building support.

Funding and Implementation

• The CDPC has mobilized over US$60 million in grant funds and TA.
• A funding gap of US$4.77 million exists, with specific gaps in the following areas:
  • Strengthening the knowledge economy: US$2.02 million
  • Modernizing infrastructure regulatory framework and SOE reform: US$2.05 million
  • Strengthening the business environment: US$200,000
• The program is being implemented by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), with coordination from relevant line ministries.
• Regular workshops and consultations are being held to ensure transparency and accountability.
• The World Bank and other donors provide technical assistance, while the Government oversees the implementation.

Conclusion

The CDPC represents a comprehensive and participatory approach to improving Thailand's competitiveness through targeted reforms in finance, corporate governance, education, infrastructure, and the business environment. It is a critical component of the Ninth Plan and aims to ensure sustainable economic growth and recovery. The program emphasizes collaboration with domestic and international partners and is structured to address both short-term and medium-term challenges, with a focus on SMEs and transparency in financial and legal processes.