Course Project Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Course Project Proposal - Essay Example Thailand’s private sector is therefore strong. The well-developed physical infrastructure also distinguishes it from many other Asian economies. In terms of natural resources, Thailand has â€Å"large stretches of fertile land and favorable growing conditions†¦ [that gives] Thailand a strong agrarian foundation on which it has built a complex, multifaceted economy, which is now well established in the industrial and high technology sectors† (Encyclopedia of Modern Asia, 2006). Its economy was one of East Asia’s best economic performers during 2002-2004 (as it was also in the 1960s and 1970s (countrystudies.us)) when it experienced a rapid increase in GDP to over 8%. The GDP then stabilized to between 5-6% for a few years thereafter, and then declined into the red in 2009 due to the worldwide recession. Inflation was very high last year (9.2% in July, 2008) but Thailand is currently experiencing a deflation of its economy. The rate of unemployment is low. It stood at 1.2% in September 2009. Thailand’s economy is heavily export dependent, â€Å"with exports accounting for more than two thirds of GDP† (tradingeconomics.com). This was over 70% in 2008 (state.gov). Thailand’s exports were $175.3 billion and imports were $175.1 billion in 2008. Thailand’s main export commodities are agricultural products, textiles and footwear. It is â€Å"the world’s second largest exporter of gypsum, leading supplier of rice and a major exporter of shrimp† (tradingeconomics.com). it also has strong automobile, high-technology, and electrical appliance industries that are now exporting to other countries and therefore also contributing to Thailand’s overall economic growth. Its main import commodities are capital goods. In 2009, Thailand has been consistently enjoying a positive balance of trade whereas it was fluctuating in 2008. Within Thailand itself, privatization and liberalization are helping to