NEC Thailand and Aira Factoring have formed a strategic partnership to launch a digital supply chain financing platform, which will provide business loans to help small and medium-scale enterprises ( SMEs ) sustain their operations.

The collaboration, which began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations in May 2024, will offer a range of key services, including TASConnect, a solution owned by SCV Research and Development, and other digital capabilities of NEC to create robust and efficient supply chain finance programmes.

Additionally, the organizations will focus on client acquisition by targeting specific groups and markets to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.

Akarawit Sooksai, chief executive officer of Aira Factoring, projects that the implementation of supply chain financing will enable the company to increase its annual credit disbursement by over 10%, from 19 billion baht ( US$549.5 million ) in 2024.

By digitizing credit management processes, strengthening supplier relationships, and improving cash flow management for clients, Aira Factoring aims to deliver benefits across all stakeholders – sellers, buyers, and the company itself – while expanding its customer base sustainably.

"Aira Factoring is committed to strengthening Thai SMEs by enhancing their financial liquidity. For new businesses, obtaining loans from traditional financial institutions can be challenging or even impossible. However, with invoices as supporting documents, SMEs can demonstrate their actual sales performance. In addition to serving our clients, we are actively sharing this knowledge with members of the Thai Factoring Association and financial institutions, showcasing the capabilities of modern solutions that enable efficient and automated processes," Akarawit says.

Ichiro Kurihara, president of NEC Corporation ( Thailand ), says his company remains committed to its strategy as a leading ICT provider while expanding its capabilities in the digital finance sector. By leveraging its expertise, NEC aims to support partners like Aira Factoring in enhancing their financial services through efficient and automated digital solutions.