Thailand eyes to become world superpower of tropical fruit trade

BANGKOK, February 7 (TNA) - The Thai Cabinet has approved a comprehensive fruit strategy, as proposed by the Ministry of Commerce, under which the Thai Kingdom will be promoted as a world superpower of tropical fruit trade through "Thailand Brand" in the future. Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong told journalists of the Thai Cabinet's decision, made at its mobile meeting in Chantaburi Province in the Thai East on February 6. Sonthirat said the strategy covers the quality development of Thailand's tropical fruit production industry to meet international standards, including fresh and processed fruits. Sonthirat noted that premium-graded Thai fruits will also be promoted on the world market through the "Thailand Brand" in order to boost their market prices by 10-20 per cent and to build up the loyalty and trust of the national brand among global consumers. According to the minister, his ministry has worked together with SCG Trading Co.,Ltd. to first select premium-graded Thai durians, about 9,100 tons, and high-graded durians, another about 5,000 tons, for exports, out of the country's total export of durians set at about 900,000 tons this year. Besides, Thai durians of other grades will be promoted as new ready-to-eat, well-packed products, and well-processed fruit-based syrup, cosmetic and herbal products. The minister revealed that integrated marketing channels, including online networks, will also be systematically developed for business operators of Thai fruit products who will also be provided with loans of special lending rates to run and expand their businesses. (TNA)