Ministry woos S American traders

Malee Choklumlerd, director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said Latin America was a target region for Thai exports. In support of efforts to boost exports to the region, the ministry will host a visit by the traders to a number of international trade fairs in Thailand, starting with THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017, from May 31 to June 4.
At the event, some 30 to 40 traders from Latin American countries such as Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru will take part in business-matching activities.
 The traders will also visit food factories and supermarkets, and meet government officials and private organisations in an effort to bring about closer cooperation.
In addition to those activities, the government will organise a meeting on Thailand-Chile trade, and a similar event will focus on boosting trade and investment with Brazil. Thai and Chilean businesspeople are also calling for a meeting between the business councils of both countries.
Malee said Latin America was particularly attractive to Thai exporters due to region’s strong economic growth. The government is looking at countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Argentina for potential strategic partnerships.
Thai trade officials expect exports to Latin America to rise by 3 per cent from last year, outpacing the previous year’s growth of 1.5 per cent. Latin America accounts for 3.7 per cent of Thailand’s export value.
For Mexico, with the policies of US President Donald Trump likely to result in reduced US imports from its southern neighbour, Thailand’s shipments Mexico are expected to rise strongly this year. Last year, the value of Thai shipments to that market increased 1.31 per cent year on year to $2.82 billion.