Thailand to boost rubber exports

BANGKOK, January 29 (TNA) - The government, through the Ministry of Commerce, plans to launch stronger marketing campaigns to boost exports and the value of Thai rubber products. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn told journalists on January 28 that her ministry will introduce Thai rubber products, together with other goods, to many countries. Apiradi said the first export promotion attempt will accompany Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who is in charge of economic affairs and is scheduled to visit Iran and Oman during January 31-February 4, 2016, along with his entourage, comprising 71 government officials and private business operators. Apiradi acknowledged that the yearly value of trade between Oman and Thailand has amounted to about 1.1 billion US dollars, with Thailand importing 600 million US dollars worth of products from Oman and exporting 500 million US dollars worth of products to the Gulf nation, including automobiles and parts and chemical products. For Iran, the minister revealed, Thailand's trade with Iran was about 600 million US dollars yearly prior to sanctions on Tehran by the West and the value was halved during the sanctions. The minister foresaw that the value of trade between Tehran and Bangkok should increase by 10 times over the next five years after the recent end of sanctions on Iran by Europe and Thailand eyes to, thus, promote rubber products, sugar and rice in Iran. (TNA)