Chamber urges food trading rules update ahead of AEC
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The private sector has urged the government to revise the rules and regulations on food trading to facilitate both imports and exports under the Asean Economic Community (AEC) to promote Thailand as the region's centre for this industry.
Chatchai Boonyarat, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the country still had many complicated and outdated laws that hindered development of the Thai food industry. For instance, the limitations on imports of raw materials such as soybean meal from other Asean countries have pushed up the price of feed meal.
To prevent any impact on local farmers, the government could set a condition that manufacturers must purchase all domestic output at fair prices, he said. Meanwhile, the government should allow manufacturers to import raw materials with no quota limitation.
“Thailand will need to import more materials to support growth of the food industry. Under the AEC in 2015, tariff barriers will be eliminated. The country should urgently reduce non-tariff barriers to support industries and trading growth,” Chatchai said.
Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s International Trade Promotion Department, said export of Thai foods was expected to grow by 12 per cent to exceed US$30 billion (Bt930 billion) this year, from $28 billion in 2011.
She said the value of food exports would continue to increase, as Thai producers have focused more on innovation and added value.
To promote Thai foods in the international arena, the ninth edition of Thaifex – World of Food Asia, the Kingdom’s major showcase of food products and innovation, will be held from May 23-27 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
Nuntawan said the fair this year would feature more than 1,000 leading food-related companies exhibiting at more than 2,700 booths.
The fair is projected to generate at least Bt1.3 billion in immediate sales and orders during five days.
Chairat Kongsuphamanon, vice president of Greenday Global, producer of dried snack fruits under the Greenday brand, said Thaifex was a good showcase for local producers to get more overseas customers.
