Walmart International, the world's biggest retailer, is keen to buy more farm and fishery products from Thailand, although it remains concerned about supply chain transparency.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who yesterday met Scott Price, vice-chairman of Walmart International, said Walmart had praised Thailand's efforts to tackle labour problems in the fishery industry.
Mr Somkid also quoted Mr Price as saying that the company feels very good about buying more agricultural and fishery products from Thailand.
According to his itinerary for Feb 19-23, Mr Price is also scheduled to attend the Apec Business Advisory Council's meeting in Bangkok and talk with Thai agencies tasked with tackling human trafficking and forced labour in the fishing industry.
Walmart is also now a member of the Seafood Task Force, a group of seafood processors, feed producers, buyers, retailers, government representatives and NGOs who have come together to address issues surrounding labour and illegal fishing in seafood supply chains. The task force is currently focusing on the seas around Thailand.
Seafood supply chains are a key area that have come under intense scrutiny after recent media investigations have revealed how some in the Thai fishing industry, including Thai fishing vessels, have engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
According to a report from the Foreign Ministry, Thailand exported US$1billion worth of farm and fishery products to Walmart, mainly frozen shrimp supplied by Charoen Pokphand Group and Thai Union Group Plc.
During the meeting, Mr Somkid said he had informed the US retailer on progress in Thailand's infrastructure development to improve transportation and upgrade logistics, which will help facilitate raw materials supply from the agricultural sector.
He also urged Walmart to take part in the government's ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor.
The EEC spans Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces. It is intended to accommodate 10 targeted industries to be promoted as clusters by the government.