Commerce pushes forward with Magnet Market campaign

BANGKKOK, March 18 (TNA) -- The Commerce Ministry has planned to initiate the Magnet Market campaign for Durian, the king of fruits, in Chiang Mai, aimed to attract more spending from Chinese tourists. Deputy Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong has inspected the location where the Magnet Market for Durian would be set up in Chiang Mai, as well as listened to suggestions by entrepreneurs The Deputy Minister said he has found that around 150,000 Chinese tourists travel to the province on average per month, and they love durians. The higher demand of the king of fruits, means high quantity of the fruit is sent in from around the country to be sold throughout the year in Chiang Mai at a high retail price. In a survey, Thailand has become the top destination for Chinese tourists, prompting the ministry to foresee an opportunity to kick off the Magnet Market campaign for Durian at a pilot location in Anusarn market, which is situated in the same area of the Night Bazaar. Events planned to attract visitors at the magnet market include durian buffet, processed durians, as well as local cultural performances, aimed to spread the income to all level of the communities. After the first magnet market is successfully launched, it could lead to the creation of the magnet market for other fruits, said the deputy minister, adding that the ministry would complete the setting up of the market in Chiang Mai before the coming May just in time for the Songkran celebrations. (TNA)