A special study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology

Special Studies Project Report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1982

TC) are business organizations unique to Japan. Many of the existing major general trading companies originated from trading firms which specialilsed in textiles or steel and have reached their present status of gigantic conglomerates through a series of expansions effected through realignment, incorporation or amalgamation with other firms. The history of development, functions performed and the global activities of the Japanese general trading companies have been looked into in this study. In this aspect their worldwide activities, with emphasis on ASEAN countries and the strengths and weaknesses of these organizations have been examined. In general, the Japanese GTCs' performances have been very impressive, which encouraged other countries to emulate them. In the developing countries, another reason for establishing their own general trading companies have been to try to avoid over reliance on the Japanese GTC. Thailand is a case in point. Thailand' s experience and lessons on trying to develop own general trading companies, which can be examples for other developing countries was examined. The relevance of this kind indigenous trading companies depend on the prevailing industrial, economic and financial infrastructure, The newly industrializing developing countries can use their own general trading companies for expanding their export orientation and market power, for which the development of infrastructure will be a prerequisite.