Commerce confident of export outlook

Commerce confident of export outlook

The Ministry of Commerce is confident export opportunities will not be damaged by the military coup.

Nantawan Sakuntanaga, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, expressed  confidence on Tuesday that export markets would not be affected.

Thai commercial representatives overseas were informing buyers that despite the take over of the government by the National Council for Peace and Order,  companies n Thailand could continue production and exports unhindered.

"The political situation is starting to ease, so confidence is growing in the private sector," Mrs Nantawan said.

She said that commerce officials were working on export promotion measures based on recommendations from Thai commercial attaches and honorary trade advisers. These would include  more overseas trips by trade representatives to promoteproducts and services, area-based marketing campaigns, and participation in overseas trade fairs.

Mrs Nantawan said an honorary trade adviser for North America recommended that Thai products, including food products and medical and tourist services, had an edge in the United States and Canada for their quality and safety, and Thai fashion products were popular in Houston.

She said an honorary trade adviser on China urged Thai commerce authorities to actively promote food products in China as they were well recognised for their safety. The adviser also saw food export opportunities in Macau, which is importing more food to satisfy the rising number of  visitors.

In Southeast Asia, commerce officials were aware of promising export opportunities in the Philippines, where food production had suffered from natural disasters. Manila had also reduced  food imports from China due to their territorial dispute.

Mrs Nantawan said commercial attaches and trade advisers also recommended that free trade negotiations with Pakistan and Turkey could help expand exports.

For Europe, in addition to promoting the image of its products it was recommended Thailand should participate in a trade fair of environment-friendly products in Berlin this November, she said.

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