Ride-hailing service Grab has announced plans to expand into more secondary cities and provinces across Thailand with Mini-Grab Centres (Mini-GCs). The move will see it extend its presence to 30 provinces within the year and help increase the benefits of 4.0 and the digital economy for millions of micro-entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Grab will welcome MSMEs to set up Mini-GCs and serve as its official agents to recruit, oversee and support drivers, delivery people and merchants.

“In 2019 we experienced phenomenal growth across all businesses, from on-demand ride-hailing to food and package delivery services,” said Tarin Thaniyavarn, country head of Grab Thailand.

“We are also playing our part in driving the cashless economy through our GrabPay mobile wallet. We have constantly innovated and introduced new services in response to today’s consumer needs, including GrabCar Premium, which offers classy, comfy rides at affordable prices for business users; Grab Drive Your Car, a personal car driver service; and on-demand grocery delivery services through partnership with Tops Supermarket.

“Grab is currently operating in 20 provinces and we look forward to uplifting the livelihoods of more Thais with our expansion.”

With the country’s online food-delivery industry valued at Bt35 billion, GrabFood has played a significant role in helping MSMEs tap into growth opportunities. Last year Grab Thailand expanded GrabFood beyond Bangkok, reaching 14 provinces in less than a year.

GrabFood has become popular in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Korat and Hat Yai. At present, one-third of the total food orders via GrabFood come from users in secondary cities.

“We believe the Mini-GC model will allow us to scale up our successful hyperlocal approach nationally,” Tarin said. “Thailand is the first country where Grab has introduced this model to create long-term, sustainable growth while offering better opportunities for MSMEs.”

“Mini-GC will provide new entrepreneurial opportunities for MSMEs that share the same desire as Grab to uplift the livelihoods of our partners,” said Maythinee Anavachkul, head of bike-hailing operations and Mini-GC.

“Training and technological support will be provided, while a dedicated Grab team will work closely with each centre to set the bar for the highest service quality standards.”

The three key criteria for the selection of a Mini-GC owner:

· Financial stability – having a certain amount of capital to operate their own business

· Ability to source proper location and set up the centre

· Entrepreneurial mindset – strong business acumen that aligns with Grab business philosophy

Twenty-four 24 Mini-GCs have operating on a trial basis in Bangkok and vicinity and Grab plans to double the number this year.