Government agencies urged to increase rubber consumption

BANGKOK, Jan 15 (TNA) -- The Rubber Authority of Thailand has set a target of 200,000 tons of rubber to be purchased by government departments this year. Sunan Nuanphromsakul, the Deputy Governor for Administration of the Rubber Authority of Thailand, announced that in order to shore up and stabilise rubber prices they would be promoting increased state use of natural rubber. The Rubber Authority of Thailand will act as the go-between and procure rubber for state departments. Each department is required to forward their rubber procurement needs beginning in January and February. A goal of 200,000 tons has been sets for 2018. Mr Sunan said that the Ministry of Transport and Communication, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism and Sport and the Ministry of Justice will be the main procurers of rubber. The Rubber Authority of Thailand will procure rubber from agricultural cooperatives, rubber planters and rural enterprises that in turn buy rubber off rubber plantations. These will then be allocated to each department to be converted and utilised as they require. No stocking of rubber will be made. Beginning in January 15 a first batch of 1,200 tons of latex will be procured for the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Following this a gradual purchase of rubber will be made for other departments until the 200,000 tons target is reached. Beside promoting domestic consumption of rubber the move will also cultivate increased utilities for rubber in new and innovative ways. Beside government departments, the private sector is also welcomed to purchase of rubber on their own. In the long run it is hoped that these measures will help drive up rubber prices while ensuring much needed stability as well. (TNA)