Can local retailers survive in Thailand amid threats from international chains that are much stronger, better organised, equipped with higher technology and expertise? The immediate outlook is hazy, given the number of takeovers of large local players by even bigger multinationals in recent years, writes Bangkok Post. No one can predict who will survive, despite forecasts that there is room for certain segments of the retail industry to double in size and volume in the next few years.

For now, the only way for local retailers to survive is to streamline and shape up to become more efficient, according to participants in a Bangkok Post roundtable.

The two-year economic crisis, participants said, has been a blessing in disguise, forcing all retailers and suppliers to make radical changes to reduce costs. Local companies have been forced to learn more about cost management and financial management in order to compete with foreign players, said Boonchai Chokwatana,managing director of Saha Pathanapibul Plc, a major consumer products marketer.

Computer sales lag

The closure of four computer retail outlets in UAE in the past 45 days, leaving behind sizable debts, has again confirmed that all may not be well in the local information technology (IT) sector, according to a report published in Gulf News.

None of the four - three in Dubai and one in Sharjah - could be classified as A-class IT resellers. But until recently they maintained a fairly decent cash flow with sales averaging Dh7-Dh12 million a year.

They left behind unpaid debts totalling millions of dirhams. A conservative estimate is more than Dh8 million. It is believed the major promoters have left the country, and their creditors were unwilling to comment officially about how much they owed.

Creditors said chances of recovering the money are slim and some other outlets have been placed on an informal watchlist. An estimated 20 IT outlets shut down in the past 18 months.

Smart card fore-commerce

Advanced Card Systems, which is connected with the Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corp, has launched a smart-card reading device said to be particularly suitable for electronic commerce, writes HongKong Standard.According to Simon Liu, product marketing manager for the smart card reader CyberMouse, was the first such device that can be used with a personal computer interface with wide industry support.

Liu said the PC-based standard was developed by Microsoft and major component makers and would make possible the reading of all types of cards, from punch cards and bar codes to magnetic strip cards and smart cards, using a PC.

He said computer manufacturers, who were facing reduced margins, could add value by making their products e-commerce compatible by incorporating a smart-card reader as a standard component.

Staying back in Dubai

Only a few years ago, summer was time to pack the bags and travel abroad to cooler climes. Now, the Dubai Summer Surprises has helpedreverse this trend with many residents, who would have otherwise gone overseas, staying back during the summer, reports Khaleej Times.

Besides, visitors are coming in their hordes to Dubai to get a slice of the summer fun. All signs indicate that the DSS '99 is going to be an even greater success than last year. Ahmed Mohammed Ali Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture at the Dubai Municipality, which is organising Flower Surprises week, said he was pleased with the response so far.

The DSS has given people who stay at home in the summer a great way of spending their holidays in a useful and entertaining way, writes the paper.