Deputy PM supports inclusion of rubber into controlled commodities list

BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak asserted that adding rubber into the controlled commodities ,list will help shore up the prices and foster cooperation between the private and government sector. Mr Somkid said that spending part of the 100 billion baht mid year budget allocation to adjust the structural reforms of rubber organisation as well as inclusion into the Ministry of Commerce's controlled commodities catalogue was in effect an effort to control rubber stocks. The government has no desire to interfere with rubber market apparatuses but it was felt that a guiding hand was needed in order to streamline the supporting infrastructure. What concerns the government most is the fact that rubber has a profound impact on the lives of many people in the country. Farmers, consumers and goods and equipment manufacturers are all dependent on rubber. At present, rubber prices has risen to 50 baht/kg and with the cooperation of all involved in the rubber sector. Mr Somkid feels that that there is no reason why prices would not rise even higher. A great deal of effort and expenditure has already been expended is fostering closure ties and cooperation between the government and the private sector with regards to rubber. It is hoped that the commitment to develop new utilities for rubber and improved marketing efforts will permanently solve the problem of falling prices of rubber. (TNA)