Help to SMEs
We must overcome information gap and help SMEs, says Prof. Chongrak, SERD Dean
SMEs lag far behind in environmental management skills, yet they make up the sector
most likely to use production processes harmful to the environment.
It is vital that SMEs adopt cleaner manufacturing techniques, not only to prevent pollution but
also to enjoy greater success in overseas markets, such as the US, Europe and Australia, where
much importance is placed on the ISO certification of exporters.
Prof. Chongrak Polprasert, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD),
made the statement at a seminar on the potential of environmental management and food safety in
the new millennium, jointly organised by AIT and Miller Freeman Thailand at BITEC in mid-May.
Prof. Chongrak noted that an information gap exists between SMEs and governments, thus
impeding progress in this all-important field. 'Money and training are available to SMEs, but
many of them do not know about it, or how they can ask for help.'