Thailand is planning to promote chilli paste under the "One Country One Product" (OCOP) scheme for promoting good health and nutrition.
Speaking during the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Agrifood Systems Transformation hosted by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization in Bangkok, Vanida Khumnirdpetch, Bureau of Agricultural Affairs director, said Thailand wants chilli paste to represent the country's food systems transformation due to Covid-19.
Its regional OCOP platform was launched during the three-day hybrid event at a Bangkok hotel to support countries in Asia-Pacific transform their food systems through development of food value chains by featuring Special Agro-Products that are inclusive, profitable and environmentally sustainable.
Chilli paste -- consisting of chilli, herbs and local ingredients -- is a common food category for Thais.
Most chilli paste manufacturers are SMEs. The market value of Thai chilli's supply chain is unknown. However, according to the Department of International Trade Promotion, the value of the chilli paste market in China, one of the key export markets, was as much as 197.69 billion baht in 2017. Thai ranks as the 13th largest food exporter in the world with an export value of 1.1 trillion baht last year.
"Thailand's One Tambon One Product initiative is well established and can be exploited to improve the food transformation in the country," Ms Vanida said, adding this effort will serve Thailand's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made a commitment to the UN Food Systems Summit last year that Thailand would reinforce its Kitchen of the World status with healthier food.
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chalermchai Sri-on, said the government has adopted the "Three-S" model, emphasising food safety, security and sustainability.