BANGKOK, Dec 1 — Some 40 importers from 15 countries are participating in a business matching project with about 100 Thai exporters and their deals are expected to increase the value of Thai exports by 4 per cent next year.
The importers represent department stores, retail stores, supermarkets and general traders from North America, Europe, Latin America and Africa. They are meeting about 100 Thai exporters from today through Wednesday.
In the meantime, Chinese state enterprise representatives in Thailand for trade talks last week negotiated a preliminary understanding that will result in Thailand and China signing a government-to-government farm product trade agreement later this month.
Under the terms of the agreement, China will buy 2 million tons of rice and 200,000 tons of natural rubber from Thailand.
Receiving the overseas buyers from 15 nations to meet Thai exporters beginning today, Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said trading partners’ product demands were varied and included food and beverages, rice, rice-based products, household appliances and household decor.
The importers are inspecting factories and production lines that meet international standards. The minister hopes their arrival will ensure a bright prospect for Thai exports next year and afterwards.
The Department of International Trade Promotion is planning its export strategies for 2015, intending to finish the plan within this month.
Despite the unpromising global economy, the department is trying to maintain existing markets and reach new and potential markets so that the value of Thai exports will rise by 4 per cent next year as targeted.
