The economy has reached its lowest bottom and would continue to increase in the second half of the year due to decline in the global oil prices revived up consumer confident and market sentiment, according to finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

Mr. Surapong express confident on Thursday that he is positive with the current economic situation, stressing that government is on the track in solving the problems.

“The government’s stimulus packages and new initiative offers will help driven the economic growth to 6 per cent for this year,” he said, referring previously issued measures that aim at regaining voters support.

In the meantime, Industry Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan ensured Thailand-base Japanese firms that, since they are keen to invest in Thailand, the government will continue supporting them with investment incentive packages.

Mr. Mingkwan said Thailand and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) chairman agree that the two countries should have more cooperation in developing alternative energy, such as creating a zoning area for energy and agricultural food productions.

Speaking at the “A Vision of Thailand… Towards 2007″ seminar, National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) Secretary General Amphon Kitti-amphon emphasized that it is necessary that Thailand adopted changes in various aspects for over the next two decades.

The interest-states should have stronger cooperation in building an interest group in order to gain negotiation power.