BANGKOK (Reuters – Thailand’s finance minister announced Monday that the government aims to achieve 10% export growth in this year. It will play a major role as the second-largest country in Southeast Asia.

Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Finance Minister, stated that the economy would grow by an average 5% annually in the last three quarters. That would lead to a growth rate of 3.5% overall, according to a seminar for business professionals. He also said government spending, as well as a rebound in tourism, are expected to be beneficial.