THAI EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER REACHED A RECORD HIGH

The Ministry of Commerce has indicated that export figure in the month of September reached the highest record level, due to an increase in export price indices of many types of agricultural items.

Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Karun Kittisataporn (การุณ กิตติสถาพร) said exports in the month of September amounted to 10.5 billion USD, the highest on record. Most of the gains were from agricultural items, which increased 23.1%. Industrial goods exports increased 18%.

Total export in the first 9 months this year (January-September) amounted to 82.021 billion USD, an increase of 16.1% from the same period in 2004. Important markets where exports have expanded include India, Latin America, Australia and China.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอังคารที่ 25 ตุลาคม 2548

MINISTER SOMKID IS EMPHASIZING MORE ON EXPORTS

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister SOMKID JATUSRIPITAK (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) is adjusting the ministry's export strategy to foster synchronization with investments in foreign countries. Meanwhile more emphasis is being given to new markets such as China and India.

Mr. SOMKID said all parties need to adjust their roles to export regulations with investments in foreign countries, and to evaluate the pros and cons of that certain country. The minister wants all units of the ministry to find sources of low-cost raw materials before further processing that would create additional value. As for markets in Europe, United States, and Australia, the same level of export standard will be maintained. The ministry will also be re-positioning its human resources based on each individual's capabilities, which Mr. SOMKID said would foster a better export situation.

The deputy prime minister and commerce minister further spoke on the deficit figure in the year 2005 whether it will be less than the year 2004, saying that it could not yet be indicated. However what the commerce ministry will do next is to attempt to prevent any more deficits, but Mr. SOMKID noted that this is dependent upon several factors, such as fuel imports.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอังคารที่ 25 ตุลาคม 2548