Thai GI products become more popular on world market

BANGKOK, March 29 (TNA) - Thailand's geographical indication (GI) products have become more popular on the world market, earning the country over 3 billion baht annually. Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara told journalists that she has been reported on the promising prospect of Thai GI products on the world market, particularly Hom Mali or fragrant rice, by her ministry's Department of Intellectual Property, thanks to the Thai government's fruitful measures on promoting the local goods produced and developed from the traditional Thai wisdom. Chutima said she believes that Thai GI products will become more and more popular and recognized on the world market in the coming years. Chutima stated that the Department of Intellectual Propertyrch is also organizing a trade fair, dubbed the "GI Market 2018", at the Central Plaza Chaengwattana shopping mall on the outskirts of Bangkok during March 28-April 3 to help promote quality and officially-certified Thai GI products displayed at 66 booths, including those from provinces where local producers have earned lower income so far. According to the deputy minister, the one week-GI trade fair also provides a good opportunity for the local community producers to learn on the premium-level market demand to further upgrade their products to enhance their competitiveness and earn more income, which would further boost and sustain local economic growth in the long run. The deputy minister projected a total sale value of 7-10 million baht during the one week "GI Market 2018". Meanwhile, Department of Intellectual Property Director-General Thosapone Dansuputra told reporters that his department has also sought cooperation from Central Food Retail Co.,Ltd. to open the "GI Corner" at its supermarkets nationwide, including the Central Food Hall and Tops Market, to boost sale volumes and values of the Thai GI goods and to help raise competitiveness and income of local community producers. Besides, producers of potential Thai GI products will be welcome to showcase and sell their goods at the "GI Pavilion" opened at the 2018 Thaifex-World of Food Asia event, set to be held at the IMPACT Trade and Exhibition Center in Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok during May 29-June 2.(TNA)