The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has announced that Thai entrepreneurs saw a record-breaking success at Foodex Japan 2024, securing orders worth nearly 2.5 billion baht. The event, held in Tokyo from March 5-8, witnessed a substantial increase in orders for Thai food products, a fourfold rise from the previous year’s 590 million baht to 2.458 billion baht.
Recent negotiations have also led to significant orders for Thai fruits, with Japanese buyers committing to purchase 5,000 tons of bananas and 4,000 tons of mangosteen, which are scheduled to enter the Japanese market starting in April. Plans are also underway to introduce OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) items in Tokyo, aligning with government efforts to convert Thailand’s cultural assets into economic gains for local communities.
DITP Director-General Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit disclosed that the ministry’s export goal for 2024 aims for a 1.99% increase. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also stressed the strategy of merging marketing initiatives with the promotion of Thailand’s soft power to boost income and expand export opportunities. January 2024 saw an encouraging start, with export values expanding by up to 10%.
To meet this year’s export objectives, special focus is being placed on commercial attachés in 10 target countries, including Japan, to spearhead marketing efforts. Thai food products, as a key element of Thailand’s soft power, are expected to greatly enhance the country’s export value in the global market, particularly in Japan, Thailand’s third-largest export destination. (NNT)
