BankThai plans to aggressively expand services to Japanese companies and clients operating in Thailand in 2003, according to Duangphorn Sucharittanuwat, senior executive vice-president.
The bank recently established a special department specifically to cater to Japanese clients two months ago, headed by Takashi Kusumoto, senior vice-president and Japanese business co-ordinator.
Mrs Duangphorn said that more than 1,300 Japanese companies were operating in Thailand, predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises, the primary target of the new business unit.
BankThai established the unit as part of its overall growth strategy for 2003. It expects its loan growth next year to be on par with targets set for this year, at 28 billion baht.
Mrs Duangphorn said for the first 11 months of 2002, the bank had approved loans beyond its target, with 18 billion baht in funds already drawn down.
