GOVT LOOKS TO POWER, JEWELLERY REVENUES
The Commerce Ministry has told the Department of Foreign Trade to bring state and private-sector trade representatives to Shan State in Myanmar from November 28 to December 1 to observe negotiations for collaboration over a project to develop electricity.
The talks between the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and Myanmar’s Shan State continue discussions begun in August.
Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said the two parties would have deeper discussions this time around.
During the August negotiations, Thailand also successfully clinched an agreement with Shan to expand Thailand’s trade and investment in the hospitality, tourism, processed farm products and livestock businesses there.
The ministry also instructed the Office of Commercial Affairs in China to explore China’s jewellery and ornament markets with a view to increasing sales in response to the growing purchasing power of the Chinese. It would also be in line with China’s policy to become the world’s largest jewellery market. It is expected to surpass US jewellery purchases in 2020.
The Department of International Trade Promotion director-general, Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, said that the Thai jewellery industry should focus on the Western provinces of China such as Chendu where there was little competition.
Thailand has a unique potential to increase sales to China of gold, gems, jade, and diamonds, especially products with appealing designs.
The department has planned to launch campaigns in China to promote Thailand’s jewellery.
